Obama to pledge more than $300 million in new humanitarian aid for Syria crisis

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G8 Summit at Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 17, 2013. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will announce more than $300 million in new humanitarian aid to address the Syrian crisis, with a little less than half going to Syria itself and the rest to neighbouring countries struggling with an influx of refugees, the White House said on Monday.

Obama was set to announce the aid during a dinner with other leaders of the G8 nations, the White House said, noting that the money will be spent on food, medical equipment, water and shelter.