The 7km-long water pipeline, to be built between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip, marks a significant infrastructural effort by the United Arab Emirates to respond to mounting humanitarian needs. The UAE's official statement emphasized that the project is designed to address acute water scarcity in Gaza, where infrastructure has been severely degraded and natural resources are increasingly inaccessible. Desalinated water sourced through Egypt will be channeled into Gaza as part of this initiative.

While the announcement did not specify a timeline for completion, WAM stated that the first phase—logistical deployment and initial groundwork—is already underway. The UAE has positioned the project as part of its broader humanitarian engagement in Gaza amid intensifying needs caused by prolonged siege and conflict.

UN: Gaza Facing Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions

The announcement comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate sharply. According to various UN agencies, Gaza is teetering on the edge of famine due to the prolonged Israeli blockade that has obstructed the entry of food, water, and other life-sustaining aid. The reported death toll from starvation has reached 154 Palestinians, highlighting the urgency for infrastructure capable of delivering basic necessities like potable water.

The new water pipeline is seen as a potentially life-saving measure for thousands of civilians, particularly in southern Gaza, where access to clean water is critically limited. However, aid agencies stress that while such infrastructure projects are welcome, they must be accompanied by broader efforts to lift restrictions and ensure consistent humanitarian access.