In a remarkable transition back to freedom, a woman recently liberated after over 15 months of captivity in Gaza made headlines by asserting her autonomy at an Israeli hospital. She declined any medical tests the day after her release, a decision met with approval by the medical team at Beilinson Hospital near Tel Aviv. “We canceled a whole day’s schedule,” said Prof. Noa Eliakim-Raz, who leads the department for hostages at the hospital. Her refusal symbolized a significant step in regaining control after prolonged subjugation by Hamas captors—an outcome doctors describe as one of many small victories observed during the reintegration of former hostages into everyday life.
Over a year, Israeli teams spanning medical, military, and social welfare domains have been refining a handbook to aid hostages in readjusting, a challenge compounded by the diverse age of captives—from infants to the elderly. “We are now writing the theory,” shared Eti Kisos, deputy director general at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. The October 2023 Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel, which prompted a destructive war in Gaza, saw about 250 people taken captive. Though over 100 hostages were freed in a brief cease-fire last November, and 30 more this year, the whereabouts of up to 24 remain uncertain, reportedly held in Gaza’s tunnels under harsh conditions.
Upon their release, hostages undergo a gradual transition to freedom, facilitated by Israeli military personnel and health professionals. Initially, they are brought to an army facility where a mental health officer stands by. Physical contact is offered based on requests from hostages, and personal needs, like a mirror or a comb, are addressed, marking their first steps toward autonomy. “It was essential to enable them a gradual transition process and not to flood them with stimuli,” advised Lt. Col. Uzi, a military mental health officer.
After initial mental and physical assessments, hostages are reunited with family and, for the first time since captivity, presented with choices—what to eat, drink, or wear, a stark contrast to their previous restrictions. These freedoms play a vital role in their psychological recovery, likened to a diver’s decompression when surfacing. Subsequently, they are offered personal grooming services and slowly reintroduced to communication tools, such as smartphones.
For many, the journey to recovery begins in specialized hospital wings tailored for comfort, assigned individual care teams, including dietitians. As Professor Eliakim-Raz details, personalized diets are crucial to avoid re-feeding syndrome, which can have serious effects on individuals who were previously starved. The Israel-Gaza conflict has drawn criticism over prisoner treatment and the restriction of aid to Gaza, yet the care extended to released hostages contrasts starkly.
The emotional and physical rebuilding is enormous. The initial euphoria of freedom can be overshadowed by profound trauma and physical ailments. “There’s immense joy that the nightmare is over,” explained Kisos, “and then, many times, there’s a downfall.” Hostages like Eli Sharabi, who lost his family, continue to campaign for those still in captivity, sharing stories like his at global platforms such as the United Nations Security Council.
Through comprehensive care and rehabilitation efforts, Israel remains committed to helping freed hostages rebuild their lives, underscoring the nation’s resilience and dedication to those impacted by the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/world/middleeast/israel-hostages-return.html
Category : Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),Kidnapping and Hostages,Defense and Military Forces,Hospitals,Hamas,Israel,Gaza Strip
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Publish Date: 2025-04-24 20:02:00
