*20 Japan's Assistance to the Palestinian People

Over a five-and-half-year period beginning in 1993, Japan provided $436 million in assistance to the Palestinian people. Assistance was provided through international organizations for strengthening administrative organizations, for the development of water and sewerage facilities, school building and other infrastructure projects, and improvement of education and basic health care services. In 1996, Japan began providing direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority and has provided a wide range of assistance toward improving living standards. In October 1997 and June 1998, Japan decided to assist in the construction of ten primary and secondary schools in the Gaza Strip.