The-Golden-Beam

The context before answering the question is discussed, including the diverse population of Palestine and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The British had colonial desires in the Middle East, viewing it as strategically important. The initial aim for mandatory control in Palestine was not for the benefit of Jews or Palestinians. In order to answer this question, some pre-mandate context was needed. For instance, the racial and religious make-up of Palestine prior to the Balfour Declaration, a society which can be described as pluralistic, being home to Muslims, Christians and Jews. The fall of the Ottoman Empire is also important for contextualising British colonial desires, which can be seen clearly in the British cabinet paper, stating that the Middle East was a focal point for communications, a source of oil, a shield of Africa and the Indian Ocean and an irreplaceable offensive base. This is important to note as it shows the initial aim for mandatory control in Palestine was not for the benefit of either Jews or Palestinians.