The roots of Israel's current actions against Palestine can be traced back to a critical event 106 years ago when the British launched an offensive to capture Jerusalem.
Despite the Ottoman Empire's efforts, which resulted in 25,000 martyrs, Jerusalem eventually fell into British hands on December 8, 1917, marking a turning point in its history. Since then, the city has endured a tumultuous history characterized by bloodshed and suffering, despite the valiant efforts and sacrifices of Turkish soldiers.
The conflict between British and Ottoman forces escalated with the British offensive against Gaza, commencing on March 26, 1917. The Ottoman forces, numbering around 18,000, faced a British contingent of approximately 50,000. Remarkably, the Ottomans emerged victorious in the First Battle of Gaza, forcing the British to retreat.
Undeterred, the British launched another offensive on April 17, with the ultimate goal of capturing Jerusalem. Ottoman forces, totalling around 30,000, confronted a British force of about 50,000. In a surprising turn of events, the British were again defeated in the Second Battle of Gaza.
In response to these defeats, the British appointed General Edmund Allenby, a trusted figure, to lead their forces in the region. His primary mission was to bolster the British army. Meanwhile, the Ottomans reinforced their ranks by incorporating German troops and establishing the Yıldırım Army Group, with Erich von Falkenhayn at its helm.
The Ottoman forces were significantly strengthened with this alliance. By October, the number of British troops stationed on the Sinai Front had swelled to 190,000.
The British launched their Third Gaza Offensive, which set the stage for the Balfour Declaration published on November 2, 1917. This declaration laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine, establishing the conditions that contribute to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza today.
Throughout the wars that raged from October 31, 1917, to December 8, 1917, the Ottoman army endured significant losses, with casualties totalling 25,000. This historical context is crucial for understanding the complexities of the ongoing conflicts and challenges in the region.
