UAE water project provides lifeline to one million people in Gaza

• The new “Lifeline” pipeline supplies desalinated water to over one million residents across southern Gaza.
• The initiative, part of “Operation Gallant Knight 3,” also includes ongoing humanitarian efforts to deliver food, medical, and shelter aid.

A major UAE-funded water project has begun supplying clean, desalinated water to one million residents in the Gaza Strip, offering a crucial relief amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

The project comes at a time when Gazans have faced two years of 'Israeli' aggression which caused severe water shortages, compounded by damaged infrastructure, repeated power outages, and rising temperatures that have intensified the need for safe drinking water.

The “Lifeline” project, implemented under the UAE’s Operation Gallant Knight 3, spans over seven kilometers from the Emirati desalination plants in Egypt’s Rafah to the Al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza, one of the most densely populated regions hosting displaced families. The initiative is designed to provide each resident with an average of 15 liters of desalinated water daily, easing the pressure on local resources and helping families cope with ongoing shortages.

According to project officials, the pipeline is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of residents, particularly vulnerable families and displaced populations who have endured months without reliable access to clean water. “This project represents hope for the people of Gaza,” a UAE humanitarian official said. “Water is a basic human need, and ensuring its availability is a priority for us, especially in such challenging circumstances.”

A continuation of UAE’s humanitarian commitment

The Lifeline project builds on the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian initiatives in Gaza, which include constructing desalination plants, drilling wells, repairing damaged networks, and supplying water tankers. These efforts reflect the UAE’s sustained commitment to supporting the Palestinian people with comprehensive, long-term solutions that address both immediate needs and infrastructure resilience.

Beyond water relief, the UAE has also focused on food security. Fifty-five community kitchens in Gaza, known as tikyas, are receiving support to provide daily meals for thousands of displaced families. In addition, students from Dubai Medical University participated in packing food parcels that will be shipped via the Emirates Humanitarian Ship, scheduled to deliver aid following the recent ceasefire.

The initiative, organized by the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation under Operation Gallant Knight 3, also aims to encourage volunteerism and social responsibility among youth. By involving young people in the preparation and distribution of humanitarian aid, the project seeks to instill values of solidarity and civic engagement while reinforcing the UAE’s role in global humanitarian leadership.

As the Emirates Humanitarian Ship prepares to set sail with food, medical, and shelter supplies, coordination with national and charitable organizations continues, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Residents in Gaza have welcomed the UAE’s efforts, expressing deep gratitude for the support that has provided relief to families enduring months of hardship and uncertainty.

The UAE’s multifaceted approach — spanning water, food, medical aid, and shelter — demonstrates a commitment not only to immediate relief but also to sustainable support for Gaza’s most vulnerable communities. Through projects like Lifeline and Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE continues to play a vital role in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the region.