The Three Battles for Gaza and the Advance to Jerusalem - Stuart Hadaway

Gaza was a defensive stronghold for the Ottoman forces in southern Palestine and a strategically important position because of the town’s water wells. Water was a commodity in limited supply in the region and was important for the Allies given the large number of mounted troops and the requirement to maintain adequate supplies for both men and their horses.

Taking Gaza was also an important step for the Allied forces on their path to Jerusalem.