• Israel is preparing for the return of approximately 100 hostages from Gaza amidst health concerns.
• Medical officials anticipate life-threatening complications including starvation and trauma.
• The public is urged to respect the privacy of hostages and their families as they adjust post-release.
• Six hospitals are on standby to manage complex medical needs from hostages following their return.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel is making crucial preparations for the return of hostages from Gaza, with expectations that many will face severe, life-threatening health complications after enduring more than a year in captivity. Although the exact conditions in which the hostages have been kept are unclear, both the Health Ministry and the Hostages Family Forum are formulating various response scenarios, informed by accounts from previously released captives. During a significant cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants abducted approximately 250 individuals, leading to over 1,200 deaths, while it is believed that one-third of the remaining 100 hostages may no longer be alive. In the wake of escalating conflict, the war has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 Palestinians, many of whom are civilians, according to sources from Gaza health officials.

Hagai Levine, leader of the health team at the Hostages Families Forum, foresees a myriad of health issues for returning hostages, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems attributed to their confinement in poorly ventilated tunnels. Additional concerns include vitamin deficiencies, starvation, significant weight loss, vision impairments from lack of sunlight, broken bones, and mental health challenges. The medical community prepares for more complex interventions than those conducted following previous releases, according to Dr. Einat Yehene, a psychologist who specializes in the rehabilitation of former hostages.

Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the medical directorate at the Ministry of Health, warns about "refeeding syndrome," a potentially fatal condition that can arise from reintroducing food too rapidly to malnourished individuals. As hostages are transferred from Gaza via the Red Cross to Egypt, followed by a small Israeli medical team at the border, strict dietary guidelines will be enforced during their initial hours back in Israel.

To accommodate the hostages' significant medical needs, six hospitals have been designated for their treatment, including two in southern regions closer to Gaza for those facing acute health crises. Yehene cautions that the reunions many expect may not be as celebratory as seen previously, explaining that “given the physical and emotional conditions, we expect emotional withdrawal symptoms, such as exhaustion and fatigue.” Some hostages may experience communication challenges, requiring speech therapy, particularly if they spent extended periods in isolation.

As part of a tactical approach to mitigate trauma and facilitate acclimatization, medical professionals are striving to limit the number of people interacting with hostages, adjusting hospital environments to reduce stimuli such as bright lights and excessive noise. Israel's Ministry of Social Welfare has also arranged temporary housing options for hostages feeling hesitant or unable to return home directly.

Experts are appealing to the media and the public to grant hostages and their families the necessary privacy during these sensitive initial days of reunion. “These first moments are very sacred,” expressed Ofrit Shapira, head of a group of health professionals treating the hostages, advocating for restraint in public curiosity about their past experiences. Hospital wings assigned for the care of hostages are expected to remain closed off to all except immediate family and medical personnel.

The bonds formed between released hostages, as well as with their families, have become crucial for emotional support during this recovery phase. Levine Comments on the solidarity among families, noting the psychological familial networks that have emerged to assist in healing and adaptation to life post-captivity. However, many released hostages are reportedly neglecting their own rehabilitation while focusing on efforts to secure the freedom of others still held captive. Meanwhile, the families of those confirmed deceased continue to grapple with profound loss, as it remains unverified how many of the 33 individuals expected to be released are still alive. “This moment of the releases is an emotional and psychological trigger,” Yehene articulated, highlighting the complex interplay of trauma and hope in this ongoing crisis.

For further details, visit the full articles by the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times.