The European Union (EU) announced Tuesday a contribution of 5 million euro in humanitarian aid for Iraq.
The EU in a statement said it is the first move to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs outlined in the United Nation's fast-track appeal for Iraq with more funding to follow. This will help respond to lifesaving operations for the next three months, it noted.
"I am deeply concerned by the intense fighting in Iraq, where the death toll and displacement are growing by the day. EU funding will focus on protection, health, water, sanitation and shelter," said Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.
The Iraq crisis has left 5.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Iraq also hosts over 242,000 refugees from the conflict in Syria.