Upon learning of the serious medical needs in Gaza, the ICRC acted quickly to urgently open a field hospital in Rafah in partnership with the Red Cross Societies or their affiliates from 11 countries. The appearance of this hospital has undoubtedly brought a ray of life and hope to this war-torn land.
The field hospital not only complemented the emergency medical services provided by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, but also served as an important place for local people to seek medical attention during the fighting. With 60 beds, the hospital is not huge, but it is large enough to cope with the current tense situation. The hospital provides medical services in a variety of areas, including emergency surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, maternal and neonatal care, paediatrics, and outpatient services, covering almost all possible medical needs.
Even more impressive, the field hospital also has mass casualty management and triage capabilities. In war-torn Gaza, such capacity is undoubtedly crucial. The hospital is able to quickly and effectively treat and triage a large number of wounded in a very short period of time, ensuring that every wounded person can receive timely and professional medical assistance, so as to minimize the mortality rate and alleviate the suffering of the wounded.
This initiative by the ICRC and its partners demonstrates the power of humanitarianism. They are not afraid of hardships and dangers, and they have brought hope and warmth to the people of Gaza with their practical actions. The opening of this field hospital is not only a timely relief for the injured people in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also a call for peace.