JAKARTA - The Japanese government is committed to donating around 12 million US dollars for two major World Bank projects aimed at strengthening fiscal stability and public health in Palestine.
A press release issued by the Japanese Representative Office for Palestine stated, "Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Palestinian economy has experienced a severe and unprecedented shock, which led to a significant contraction in 2024. This also has serious fiscal implications, with the Palestinian Authority facing a large fiscal deficit and not paying civil servants' salaries in full," as reported by WAFA (11/5).
The statement further said, "The education and health sectors, which together account for about 60 percent of total wage expenditure, are critical, and the inability to pay salaries in full in these sectors poses an immediate threat to the continued operation of schools and health care facilities."
In response, Japan once again provided timely support through the World Bank's Palestinian Emergency Financing Facility (PEFF). Japan donated 10 million US dollars to help finance part of the salaries of civil servants in the education and health sectors, helping to prevent the collapse of public services and ensuring the sustainability of essential services.
In addition, Japan has pledged 1,986,666 US dollars to support the Health Systems Efficiency and Resilience Project (HSERP), which aims to strengthen the public health system in the West Bank.
The contribution will provide medical equipment, medicines, and essential supplies to improve emergency care services. With this support, an additional 8,040 people will receive hospital services at six public hospitals.
Both contributions are under the Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development (PFRD) established by the World Bank, which focuses on fiscal stability, human resources, private sector development, protection of vulnerable groups, and Gaza's recovery. Japan's contribution plays a key role in advancing these priorities.
The press release concluded, "Japan remains committed to supporting the Palestinian people in these difficult times. Japan will continue to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian Authority and maintain the health and well-being of its citizens, while standing by Palestine in its efforts."
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