Title: Israeli Hostages Rescued by Hamas Released After 50 Days in Captivity
In a sigh of relief for the embattled families, approximately 100 Israeli hostages who were kidnapped during a daring Hamas raid have finally been freed, marking the end of an agonizing ordeal lasting over 50 days. The former hostages were immediately transported to the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital at Sheba Medical Center for essential examination and urgent medical treatment.
The director of the hospital, Dr. Itai Pessach, shed light on the harrowing experiences endured by the hostages during their time in captivity. According to him, the victims not only faced physical injuries and medical issues but also suffered severe psychological stress, necessitating a buffer and professional counseling to aid their recovery.
Tragically, some of the released hostages discovered they had no home to return to, as their houses had been destroyed during the relentless Israeli bombardment of Gaza. It fell upon Dr. Pessach to break this disheartening news to them, adding another layer of emotional turmoil to their already traumatized states.
Dr. Pessach claimed that both Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza are likely enduring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the recent events. Moreover, public perception was misled by televised images of the hostages suggesting they had not been physically abused. In reality, all the hostages were found to have significant physical injuries or medical issues as a result of their captivity. Shockingly, some of them had even suffered from branding, handcuffing, and sexual abuse.
The Hamas captors meticulously planned and deployed a range of psychological tortures to manipulate the hostages’ fragile mental states. Techniques such as falsely proclaiming that Israel no longer existed successfully played with their minds, causing additional emotional anguish.
Another distressing aspect of the hostages’ ordeal was the deliberate separation and subsequent reunion of family members. This cruel tactic inflicted immense emotional distress and further amplified the overall trauma.
Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the hostages’ rescue and subsequent treatment, the hospital had to develop its own protocol to address their specific needs. With no preexisting framework available, the medical team at Sheba Medical Center embarked on establishing tailored support to facilitate the hostages’ recovery.
The plight of these Israeli hostages, which grabbed international attention for over two months, will now be featured in a segment on the renowned news program, “60 Minutes.” This exclusive coverage is scheduled to air on December 17, offering viewers a closer look at the traumatic experiences and the path to rehabilitation for the survivors.
Though the freed hostages now face a long road to recovery, their release signifies a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. Efforts to heal their physical and emotional wounds remain a top priority, as stakeholders work towards ensuring their reintegration into society.
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