"I do thank Commissioner Christos Stylianides and the European Union for their 30 million euros that they have announced as additional money in support of Iraqis’ humanitarian needs, and also the United Kingdom… [which] announced 40 million pounds extra for the same," O’Brien stated. "Depending on the exchange rate, that comes to about $95 million extra that was generated this afternoon."
UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lisa Grande explained that the funds will give the United Nations and humanitarian agencies the resources they need to prepare.
On Tuesday, Grande warned that only half of the $284 million pledged in July for the effort was funded. She noted that 10 million Iraqis already require humanitarian assistance and that number could swell to 12-13 million when the Mosul offensive begins.
Daesh, a designated terrorist organization that is outlawed in Russia, captured Mosul in 2014. According to officials in Washington and Baghdad, preparations are underway for Iraqi forces to recapture the city with support from the US-led coalition.
