In brief
Medical professionals in Israel have developed a unique approach to support hostages freed from Gaza, focusing on their psychological and physical rehabilitation following traumatic captivity experiences.
In Israel, a dedicated team of medical and social welfare experts is redefining how hostages are rehabilitated after their return from captivity. A case in point is a woman recently released after being held captive in Gaza for over 15 months. At Beilinson Hospital near Tel Aviv, she surprised her doctors by refusing medical tests, a sign of her reclaiming agency after a prolonged period of subjugation under her Hamas captors.Prof. Noa Eliakim-Raz, who leads the specialized department for hostages, acknowledged the significance of this behavior, calling it a small victory in the recovery process. The hospital, alongside others, is part of an ongoing effort to establish comprehensive care protocols for former captives, drawing from a constantly evolving manual informed by real-life experiences."The absence of precedents made our task more challenging," explained Eti Kisos, a deputy director at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. This is especially true considering the diverse age range of the hostages, which included both infants and elderly individuals. As of now, about 250 people were taken in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked a violent conflict in Gaza. Following a significant cease-fire in November, over 100 hostages were released, and an additional 30 have since returned home.The ongoing conflict has accelerated the need for a well-structured rehabilitation framework as Israel continues to navigate the complex aftermath of hostage situations. As the medical community leads the way, emerging protocols aim to not only address physical ailments but also to help individuals re-integrate into their previous lives and societies.
