'Gallant Knight 3' initiative eases water shortages for 600,000 in Gaza

As part of the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, a field tour was organized for journalists and stakeholders following the arrival of the “Lifeline” project to the southern Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis—one of the most densely populated regions for displaced persons in Gaza. The visit aimed to review the stages of implementation, monitor the water pumping mechanism, and assess how affected families—particularly children and the elderly—are benefiting.

The new water pipeline extends 7.5 kilometers, running from the UAE desalination plants on the Egyptian side of Rafah to the Al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza. The project is expected to benefit approximately 600,000 Palestinians, with each individual receiving a daily supply of up to 15 liters of desalinated water. This will significantly alleviate the severe water shortages residents have been facing for months.

The project seeks to reduce the suffering caused by recurring water cuts and soaring temperatures by providing safe, clean water that protects public health and eases the daily burdens of displaced families, who have endured months without functioning water stations and with damaged pipelines across Gaza.

As an extension of previous UAE initiatives in Gaza aimed at addressing the water crisis, the “Lifeline” project builds on earlier efforts that included the establishment of desalination plants, provision of water tankers to the Water Authority, drilling of wells, maintenance of networks, and the implementation of urgent infrastructure projects—ensuring the continuity of humanitarian support and the fulfillment of basic needs.

This initiative is considered one of the most significant humanitarian projects responding to the urgent needs of displaced persons and local communities amid the severe humanitarian deterioration caused by the ongoing war. The project is being implemented in cooperation with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility in Gaza and in coordination with the relevant authorities on the Egyptian side. Its goal is to provide safe and clean water supplies that help mitigate humanitarian and health challenges, particularly under conditions of scarce resources, repeated water cuts, and high temperatures.

These efforts form part of a broader relief strategy launched by the UAE under the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, which encompasses a wide range of humanitarian, medical, and construction projects in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The project is being carried out under the supervision of Emirati teams, in technical and field collaboration with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, to ensure compliance with technical standards and alignment with local needs.

The technical teams confirmed that work is progressing at an accelerated pace and in line with the scheduled timeline, with preparations underway to operate the pipeline and begin pumping water to distribution areas as soon as possible.