The Battle of Rafa took place as part of the ongoing Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I, emphasizing the strategic importance of the region. Located close to the Egyptian frontier with Ottoman-held Palestine, Rafa was critical for controlling the routes to the Suez Canal and facilitating further British advances into the Ottoman territories. On January 9, 1917, Allied troops, primarily British, launched an offensive against Ottoman forces stationed at Rafa. The battle began after a rigorous buildup of troops and resources, highlighting the increasing intensity of the conflict in the Middle East.

British forces, commanded by General Archibald Murray, utilized a combination of infantry, artillery, and cavalry in a well-coordinated attack. This assault aimed to exploit weaknesses in the Ottoman defenses. The Ottomans, under General Károlyi, were significantly outnumbered and faced logistical challenges, undermining their ability to hold ground effectively. The result was a decisive victory for British forces, who were able to capture the town of Rafa and inflict heavy casualties on the Ottomans, thereby weakening their position in the region.

The successful assault on Rafa enabled the British to consolidate their control over the Sinai Peninsula and set the stage for further operations into Palestine. The victory was not just a tactical gain for the British Empire; it also boosted morale among Allied forces, highlighting their ability to mobilize effectively in a challenging theater of war. This battle influenced the subsequent military strategy in the region, leading to significant changes in troop deployments and planning for future offensives toward Jerusalem.