UAE relief vessel, Khalifa, equipped with a hospital field, makes preparations for its voyage to Gaza
In a significant humanitarian effort, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently focusing on Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, a major initiative aimed at addressing the severe water crisis in Gaza. The crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, has resulted in the destruction of over 80% of the region's water infrastructure [1][2][3].
To alleviate this crisis, the UAE has launched the largest desalinated water supply project to date. This involves the construction of a 6.7-kilometer long, 315-mm diameter water transmission pipeline from a UAE-built desalination plant on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border into southern Gaza, serving displacement areas between Khan Younis and Rafah governorates [1][2][3].
This pipeline is designed to provide 15 liters of desalinated water per person daily to approximately 600,000 people, offering vital relief to the most affected populations in southern Gaza [1][2][3].
Beyond water supply, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has also distributed food parcels in northern Gaza, demonstrating a broader humanitarian relief agenda [4].
The Emirati ship named Khalifa, due to set sail from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, will carry this lifesaving aid. The ship's destination is Al Arish Port in Egypt, from where the water pipeline will link to the affected areas in Gaza [5].
This is the eighth aid ship sent by the UAE to Gaza since the war with Israel began on October 7, 2023 [6]. The conflict, initiated by Hamas's attack on Israeli communities, has resulted in about 1,400 deaths and around 240 abductions [7].
The UAE's new water pipeline project is an extension of their consistent approach to supporting the Palestinian people, as stated by Sharif Al Nairab, media official for Operation Gallant Knight 3 [8]. The ship, Khalifa, is also carrying a fully equipped field hospital to support civilians in Gaza.
The Gazan Health Ministry reports 58,479 Palestinians killed and 139,355 wounded since the start of the conflict [9]. Fighting has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million people [10].
In addition to the water pipeline, the UAE has plans to supply desalinated water to the southern Gaza Strip through more desalination stations, water tankers, and the maintenance of water networks [1][2]. The operation is being conducted in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and other humanitarian and charitable institutions in the UAE [11].
So far, more than 55,000 tonnes of aid have been delivered on more than 500 flights, six transport ships, and 2,500 lorries [12]. The ship Khalifa is being loaded with a variety of food, tents, relief and hygiene kits, clothing, and mattresses.
As the UAE continues its efforts, the hope is that this humanitarian intervention will bring much-needed relief and contribute significantly to improving the living conditions of the people in Gaza.
- The Emirates, in collaboration with humanitarian and charitable institutions, plans to supply more desalinated water to Gaza through additional desalination stations, water tankers, and the maintenance of water networks.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict, the UAE's new water pipeline project from Egypt to Gaza is an extension of their consistent approach to supporting the Palestinian people, as stated by Sharif Al Nairab of Operation Gallant Knight 3.
- In a broader humanitarian effort, beyond water supply, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has also distributed food parcels, and the Emirati ship Khalifa is carrying a fully equipped field hospital to support civilians in Gaza.
- The Gazan Health Ministry reports that the conflict has resulted in approximately 139,355 wounded Palestinians, and the news of this humanitarian intervention offers hope for much-needed relief and improved living conditions for the people in Gaza.
