The British began their campaign by capturing the Sinai from the Ottomans in a series of three battles. The next step was to conquer Gaza. The British forces attacked Gaza first on March 26th 1917 and then again on March 26th, and were repulsed both times. The British Generals commanding the forces were relieved and a stalemate ensued. The British broke through when they captured Beersheba after the Battle of Beersheba on October 31st. British expeditionary troops then went on to capture Jaffa after defeating Ottoman troops on November 14th. The British and the Ottomans clashed in a number battles that became known as the Battle of Nebi Samwill, the British eventually defeated the Ottomans in those battles.
On December 9th Jerusalem was occupied by the British forces. General Allenby commanding the British forces was instructed as an act of respect to enter Jerusalem on foot. When he arrived he stated “We have come not as conquerers bus as delivers. It is our intention to open a new era of brotherhood and peace in the Holy Land.” To the Jews his arrival was celebrated as a great moment. There was hope that a new era had dawned on the Jews of Palestine.