Strait of Hormuz reopened, Iran and U.S. say - Middle East conflict on 17 April
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Su...
The European Union has announced €250,000 in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan to support families displaced by conflict and those recovering from last year’s earthquakes, with around 70,000 people expected to benefit.
The funding will target vulnerable communities in Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktika and Paktya provinces, where displacement has risen in recent months. The EU said the assistance would address urgent needs, including food, shelter and healthcare.
In a statement, the EU said the funding would help “assist the most vulnerable, including those already impacted by last year’s earthquakes,” adding that it would support around 70,000 people in the affected provinces.
The aid will be delivered through the Afghan Red Crescent, which will distribute food and cash assistance and provide emergency shelter. The EU added that the funding is also expected to improve access to primary healthcare, safe water, sanitation and other essential services.
The assistance forms part of the EU’s contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The EU said it remains a leading humanitarian donor in Afghanistan, with more than €161 million allocated in 2025 for humanitarian partners. It also noted that dozens of EU-funded humanitarian flights have been organised in recent years, including three this year carrying 270 tonnes of nutritional supplies.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that conflict, displacement and natural disasters continue to strain communities across Afghanistan, increasing the need for emergency support.
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Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
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