UAE Launches Fourth Phase of Gaza Water Project Under Humanitarian Operation
The United Arab Emirates continues its humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip under “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” by initiating the fourth phase of its vital water supply project. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly severe, the project focuses on maintaining and rehabilitating central wells to ensure that basic services, especially water access, remain available to the affected Palestinian population. This latest initiative reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to providing critical aid to regions in crisis and bolstering essential infrastructure where it is most needed.
Enhancing Access to Water Through Well Maintenance
This new phase of the UAE-led humanitarian initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU). The core aim is to enhance the capacity of Gaza’s municipalities to deliver clean and sustainable water services. The project is set to repair approximately 28 non-operational wells spread across different governorates in the Gaza Strip.
By restoring these vital sources of water, the initiative seeks to support nearly 700,000 Palestinian residents who have endured increasingly harsh living conditions amid continued disruptions to basic services. With clean water being a critical need for daily survival and hygiene, this move is expected to bring significant relief to families throughout Gaza.
Partnership With Key Humanitarian Organizations
The fourth phase of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 is not a solitary undertaking. It draws strong support from prominent UAE-based humanitarian and charitable organizations. Among the key contributors to this mission are Sharjah Charity International, the Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation, and Dar Al Ber Society. These entities have played essential roles in funding and facilitating the logistics of the water infrastructure rehabilitation effort.
Sharif Al Nayrab, Media Director for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza, commended these organizations for their steadfast contributions. He emphasized their ongoing commitment to supporting multiple sectors within Gaza, not just during this operation, but over the course of several years. Their dedication underscores the UAE’s broader humanitarian vision for the region.
A Legacy of Water Aid Projects in Gaza
The current phase builds on three earlier water-related projects launched under the umbrella of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. Mohammad Arbaei, Deputy Chairman of the Support Committee for the operation in Gaza, detailed the previous initiatives that laid the foundation for the latest phase.
The first of these projects involved the daily distribution of water tankers, which provided essential water supplies to thousands of residents across the Gaza Strip. This immediate-response measure was followed by the drilling of primitive “Nazzaz” wells along the southern coastal regions. These wells, although rudimentary, were strategically developed to offer quick access to underground water sources where infrastructure had been destroyed or was non-existent.
The third initiative advanced these efforts by drilling submersible wells, a more sustainable solution that allowed for improved access to deeper aquifers. These wells were particularly crucial in neighborhoods that faced extreme shortages or where the surface-level water infrastructure had been severely damaged by ongoing conflict.
According to Arbaei, these water projects collectively served as lifelines for communities cut off from reliable water sources, illustrating the UAE’s deep engagement in alleviating the daily suffering of Gaza’s population.
Technical Contributions and Operational Impact
Omar Shatat, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, highlighted the significant technical and operational impact of this fourth phase. He remarked that the maintenance and rehabilitation of central wells is among the most influential undertakings within the operation to date.
Shatat pointed out that Gaza’s water system had long suffered from degradation due to both conflict-related destruction and lack of resources for maintenance. With many wells rendered non-operational, entire communities were forced to rely on expensive or inconsistent alternatives to meet their daily water needs. By restoring these wells to working condition, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 is helping to reestablish consistent and safe access to water for hundreds of thousands of people.
In addition to physical repairs, the initiative also includes technical assessments, pump replacements, filtration system upgrades, and system testing to ensure the longevity and reliability of the restored infrastructure.
Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 was established as a broad humanitarian response mechanism by the United Arab Emirates to deliver urgent aid and infrastructure support to the Gaza Strip. Since its inception, the operation has extended across all governorates in Gaza, focusing on a multi-sectoral approach that includes food security, healthcare, shelter, and water access.
Water supply, being one of the most fundamental human needs, has been a priority. Gaza’s residents have long faced water scarcity, with over 90% of the water from local sources deemed unfit for human consumption. This crisis has been worsened by ongoing blockades, damaged infrastructure, and limited international aid access.
The fourth phase of the water supply project, therefore, represents not just a continuation, but a scaling-up of efforts to combat one of the most persistent humanitarian issues in the region.
UAE’s Broader Vision of Humanitarian Diplomacy
This project in Gaza also reflects a broader vision of humanitarian diplomacy and global outreach that the UAE has been promoting in recent years. By engaging directly in on-ground rehabilitation projects, the UAE is not only providing immediate relief but also contributing to long-term resilience in conflict-affected areas.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 is symbolic of this vision—leveraging partnerships with local authorities, international NGOs, and charitable foundations to deliver impact at scale. The restoration of Gaza’s wells stands as a testament to the UAE’s ability to combine logistical capability, financial support, and technical expertise in the face of adversity.
Sustaining Humanitarian Momentum in Crisis Zones
As Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 continues to evolve, the UAE has made it clear that its commitment to Gaza remains firm. While the water supply project is one of the most visible elements of this effort, the operation spans a wide range of services, including medical assistance, food parcels, temporary shelters, and mental health support.
By targeting the water sector in its fourth phase, the UAE is focusing on an area with both immediate and lasting implications for public health and stability. Clean water not only supports hygiene and nutrition but also reduces the spread of disease—critical in a densely populated and vulnerable region like Gaza.
The continuation of such projects ensures that humanitarian aid moves beyond temporary fixes and addresses root infrastructural weaknesses, providing a pathway for rebuilding affected communities.
