"In my 33 years as a surgeon, I have never seen a situation as horrific as the one in Rafah today.”
Dr.Martin is a war surgeon in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. He speaks quietly, choosing his words carefully, but his words are full of sorrow and pain.

Critically wounded person brought to a field hospital

A field hospital opened in Rafah, southern Gaza, Palestine, by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 12 Red Cross societies, including the Japanese Red Cross Society, in cooperation with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
It began accepting patients on May 9, 2024 and has provided a wide range of medical services, including outpatient care for 200 to 300 patients and emergency care for 20 to 100 patients in a single day. A total of 230 people work at the field hospital, including 200 Palestinian staff from the Gaza Strip and 30 international staff. It has 62 beds and accepts inpatients.

Dr.Martin spoke of the patients brought to the field hospital after the June explosion.
”One had already died, and another died shortly after his arrival. We performed emergency surgery on several people, but we had to amputate the legs of three people: one woman had both legs amputated, a man had his left leg amputated, and another got several pieces of metal fragments embedded in his body and his bones protruding."

While the challenges faced in the dire situation are manifold, the lack of beds and medical supplies is becoming a major concern.
In addition, there are usually six hospitals in Rafah, but four have already closed and the remaining two are only partially functional.

New Life in an field hospital

On May 10, the first child was born at this field hospital.
"I was very worried and scared during the pregnancy. I am grateful to the ICRC for their support and to the doctors and nurses who helped me deliver my baby,” recalls the mother, Mousa.
"During my pregnancy I always had to feel sense of worry. I had to move from Hanounis to Rafah, and now from Rafah to Al Mawashi. I was anxious because I could not have perinatal checkups or see my child as I normally would. I am worried about myself and my daughter Sanad, but I hope this new born baby will be a pillar of our strength."

There is still fierce fighting in Gaza.
Many citizens are hoping for a day of peace to come soon.

*The Red Cross continues to work to protect the lives and dignity of those suffering from the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. Please click here to see the list of our activities throughout the Israel-Gaza Humanitarian Crisis.