On November 10, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah for the Programme for Emergency Recovery (Phase 3). The signatories were the head of the Palestinian finance and planning authority and the head of JICA's Palestine Office.
A ceasefire took effect in Gaza in October 2025, but sporadic clashes and tensions continue, and basic services such as food, water and sanitation, electricity, and health care have not fully recovered. JICA explains that large amounts of rubble and waste left untreated are a major obstacle to daily life and to recovery.
JICA signed agreements under the same framework in February 2025 and February 2026, supplying equipment for waste management, health care, water and sewage, electricity and infrastructure. Phase 3 focuses on rubble removal, land preparation and waste management, and plans to procure collection and transport equipment, road-works machinery and related items.
Key points
- A grant of up to 2 billion yen has been agreed for Gaza and the West Bank
- This phase focuses on rubble removal, land preparation and waste management, with collection, transport and road-works equipment
- It is the third agreement, after February 2025 and February 2026, positioned as continuing recovery support
Why This News Deserves Attention
When we think of recovery, we tend to picture large buildings and roads, but being able to clear the rubble and waste at one's feet is the first step toward regaining daily life. This cooperation focuses on that steady groundwork.
It also shows how the cooperation is being narrowed down to local needs by repeating the same framework in stages. It is a useful starting point for anyone interested in humanitarian aid and Japan's international cooperation.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stayed with me is that this support focuses narrowly on clearing rubble and waste. It shows how rebuilding daily life has not moved forward even after the ceasefire. The 2 billion yen scale caught my eye too.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba's point about support focused on clearing up. Even if it is not flashy, once collection and transport equipment is in place, it seems to lead to water and health care resuming. I felt how important groundwork is.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“As you both say, fixing what is right at our feet is the true starting point. The accumulation of a third agreement shows a steady commitment to people's lives there, and it made a faraway region feel a little closer to me.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Even after the fighting stops, rebuilding lives takes a long time. I felt that the seemingly modest task of clearing rubble leads to the return of water, health care and schools.
It is far away, but learning how Japan's cooperation reaches people is a first step we can all take. Please read the original announcement too.”