LOC19:45
16:45 GMT
BRUSSELS, June 20 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday expressed deep concern about civilians trapped in the Iraqi city of Mosul as the battle enters the final stage and expressed support to humanitarian organizations to deliver lifesaving aid to them.
"Our deepest concern right now are the civilians still trapped inside. Protecting the lives of tens of thousands civilians is more than ever a necessity for humanity in this conflict," said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, in a statement.
Stylianides urged the Iraqi authorities and all Iraqi forces with the support of the international community to continue to work together and make every effort to protect and assist the children, elderly, civilian women and men, unable to flee the active fighting.
"Defeating the scourge of terrorism places an extra responsibility on preserving humanity and protecting civilians in the conduct of war. When the fight is at its toughest phase and however long it might take, we have to work harder," he noted.
Stylianides added that the EU remains fully committed to supporting the Iraqi people and the authorities at this crucial time. (end)
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