Field hospital helped six-year-old Juwan in many ways when she was injured in an attack
Juwan was injured and lost her mother in the Gaza conflict. The hospital interpreter found a way to bring a moment of joy to the child's life.
The conflict is tearing families in Gaza apart. Six-year-old Juwan was also thrust in the middle of a conflict in Rafah in March, losing her mother and two siblings.
Juwan and her father survived, even though they were both gravely injured.
Both of Juwan’s legs suffered burns and one of her toes had to be amputated. One of her arms was broken and one of her eyes was permanently injured. Juwan was transported to the field hospital for treatment.
Juwan’s father remained in the Gaza European Hospital for treatment. The small patient stayed at the field hospital with no parents to provide care and comfort. Her aunt is her guardian.
Field hospital filling up with people with life-threatening injuries
The Red Cross field hospital is operating in Rafah, where people are trying to survive without the necessities for normal life. The UN has declared famine in Gaza. The healthcare system in Gaza has collapsed, and the Red Cross field hospital, which is only intended for use in short-term emergencies, had been operational for sixteen months by August.
Recently, dozens of patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds have been brought to the emergency room almost every day. The hospital has been repeatedly crowded with people with life-threatening injuries.
Treatment and joy for a small patient
The staff of the field hospital have exhausted every avenue to save lives. Physiotherapists assist nurses, clean and treat wounds and take vital functions. Cleaners move stretchers. Midwives administer pain relief and hold hands with those who can no longer be saved.
One of the interpreters at the field hospital noticed that Juwa
n was lonely and went to play with her. Juwan’s mood started to improve.
Juwan recovered gradually while in the hospital. She liked drawing and wanted to smell flowers and blow bubbles.
Field hospital services in increasi
ng demand
Between May 2024 and the end of August 2025, the field hospital has performed around 8,050 operations and attended 610 childbirths. The hospital is run by the International Committee of the Red Cross in cooperation with national Red Cross societies from various countries, including the Finnish Red Cross.
The field hospital is part of the Finnish Red Cross’s more extensive relief operations to help those suffering from the Gaza–Israel conflict. The relief operation is funded through funds for humanitarian aid of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Disaster Relief Fund of the Finnish Red Cross. The Finnish Red Cross is contributing aid workers and financial and material support.
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