Freed Hamas Hostages Begin Challenging Journey to Recovery After Months of Captivity

The last group of freed Hamas hostages faces a difficult recovery journey involving medical care for trauma and malnutrition. They will receive support from healthcare professionals as they reintegrate into society after two years in captivity.

The last 20 hostages freed by Hamas are now on a challenging journey to recovery. Israeli health officials say they need to regain control over their lives after two years in captivity. A team of doctors, nurses, specialists, and social workers will support them as they reintegrate into society. Their release marks the end of a long ordeal, but the path ahead remains difficult.

All released hostages were in stable condition and did not require immediate intensive care. However, Dr. Hagai Levine, head of the health team for the Hostages Family Forum, noted that external appearances can be misleading. "But what appears on the outside doesn't reflect what's going on internally," he explained. The hostages will stay in the hospital for several days for tests, including psychiatric evaluations.

Health Challenges and Recovery

Many hostages emerged thin and pale, likely due to prolonged malnutrition. They face potential kidney, liver, and cognitive issues from lack of sunlight and nutrition. Wearing leg chains for months has caused orthopedic problems and muscle waste. Some hostages had untreated minor strokes during captivity, leading to compromised immune systems.

Nutritionists will guide them to avoid refeeding syndrome, a dangerous condition if food is reintroduced too quickly after starvation. Some hostages chose to stay in a hotel north of Tel Aviv with their families to adjust to their new reality, while others returned home immediately after hospital discharge.

Psychological Impact and Autonomy

Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist, emphasised the importance of restoring autonomy for returning hostages. "Stimulation-wise and autonomy-wise, it's really overwhelming," Yehene said. Hostages must relearn simple decisions like when to eat or use the bathroom. Protocols require caregivers to ask permission for every action.

The first days post-release are euphoric but mixed with guilt over family suffering. Yehene observed that previously released hostages felt unable to focus on their recovery until all were freed. "I see movement from frozen emotions and frozen trauma," she noted.

Family Reunions and Emotional Healing

Iair Horn expressed relief after his brother Eitan's release: "About eight months ago, I came home. But the truth is that only today am I truly free." Liran Berman shared similar sentiments about reuniting with his siblings Gali and Ziv: "For 738 days, our lives were trapped between hope and fear." These reunions mark significant emotional healing steps.

Hostages' sense of autonomy can be jump-started by allowing them to make small decisions. According to protocol, everyone treating them must ask their permission for each thing, no matter how small, including turning off a light or changing bedsheets.

Historical Context and Lessons Learned

The 1973 Arab-Israeli war taught Israel about long-term captivity effects. Many soldiers held in Syria developed cancer and cardiovascular issues later in life. This history informs current approaches to hostage recovery. The recent conflict began when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 67,600 Palestinian deaths since then. These figures are considered reliable by UN agencies and experts but do not specify civilian or combatant casualties.

Hostage recovery involves addressing malnutrition effects and emotional trauma from captivity. The process is complex but essential for rebuilding lives disrupted by conflict.

With inputs from PTI