In the Sinai Peninsula is a desert area, whose climate is dry and arid. The ground is covered with rocks and sand, only making it tougher for soldiers to survive, and the terrain limited soldier movement to the construction pace of water pipelines and railroads. This desert, located just 25 miles east of El Arish, is Rafa. 

   

The main objective of the British Empire was to secure the Sinai Peninsula. This would allow them to protect Egypt and still remain a threat to Palestine. Towards the end of the battle, the British gave the order to retreat due to slow progress because of a wide open landscape halting the British attack. The Ottomans also had a geographic advantage in the battle being in a higher position. Just before the retreat, however, a last effort overcame the Ottoman defense and the British counquered Rafa.