On this day — July 19

which defines the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.

killing at least 21 soldiers. Egypt reportedly declares a state of emergency on its border with Sudan.

The People's Protection Units (YPG) capture the city of Kobanî without resistance, starting the Rojava conflict in Northeast Syria.

The Provisional Irish Republican Army resumes a ceasefire to end their 25-year paramilitary campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

Iowa, killing 111.

Italy.

Dodge, president of the American University of Beirut, is kidnapped.

President Ronald Reagan, French President François Mitterrand reveals the existence of the Farewell Dossier, a collection of documents showing the Soviet Union had been stealing American technological research and development.

causing the largest ever ship-borne oil spill.