Video: UAE launches largest desalinated water project for southern Gaza under Operation ‘Chivalrous Knight 3’

Abu Dhabi: As part of the United Arab Emirates’ ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, Operation “Chivalrous Knight 3” has announced the launch of the largest desalinated water supply project, aiming to address the acute water crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The initiative involves the construction of a 315-mm-wide pipeline stretching 6.7 kilometres, connecting a UAE-established desalination plant on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border to displacement areas between the Khan Younis and Rafah governorates in southern Gaza.

The pipeline is described as the largest of its kind and is expected to deliver 15 litres of desalinated water per person each day to approximately 600,000 Palestinians.

Response to widespread infrastructure collapse

The project was announced during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU) in Deir Al Balah. It comes as a direct response to the collapse of Gaza’s water infrastructure, over 80 percent of which has been destroyed amid ongoing hostilities.

More than a humanitarian intervention

Officials stressed that the project is not only an emergency response but part of a broader, long-term Emirati strategy to support the Palestinian people.

“This new water pipeline is more than a humanitarian intervention — it reflects a sustained commitment by the UAE to stand with Gaza in its most difficult times,” said Sharif Al Nairab, media officer for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza.

“The UAE has consistently supported the water sector in Gaza — from establishing desalination plants and drilling wells, to supplying mobile tanks and rehabilitating networks. This project is a continuation of that legacy, aiming to bring clean drinking water to the areas most affected by war,” he added.

Local officials express gratitude

Engineer Omar Shatat, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the CMWU, extended deep gratitude to the UAE for its “unwavering support since the very first day of the war.” He noted that Emirati aid has played a critical role in enabling local municipalities and institutions to restore essential services under exceptionally challenging conditions.

A lifeline for survival and dignity

Civil society leaders echoed that sentiment. Khalil Abu Shammalah, a representative of Gaza’s civil sector, praised the UAE's efforts and described the water project as a lifeline.

“This initiative is not just about water — it’s about dignity, resilience, and survival. Access to safe and clean water empowers people to endure the ongoing crises,” he said.

Part of a wider relief mission

The water pipeline marks the latest in a series of high-impact interventions launched by Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, which is widely regarded as the largest humanitarian relief initiative operating in Gaza today.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the UAE's support remains a critical pillar of relief and stability for hundreds of thousands of displaced and vulnerable residents.