Escalating small military skirmishes between Arab and Jewish militias, on April 2, 1948, inhabitants of the village Deir Yassin began sniping at surrounding Jewish neighborhoods. According to reports by Haganah Intelligence, a large quantity of arms are likewise being stockpiled there. Additionally, a local guard force is set up, and 40 Arab inhabitants patrol the village every night. Fighters from the Irgun and Eztel storm the village, taking it over. Over 100 Arabs are killed in the process. The Arab deaths at Deir Yassin become an important element over time in the telling of Palestinian history.