As the sun rose over Israel on October 16, 2025, a new chapter began for the last group of hostages freed by Hamas. After enduring nearly two years in captivity, these individuals now face a daunting road ahead—a journey marked by physical healing, psychological recovery, and the challenge of rebuilding lives interrupted by trauma. Their ordeal, which began with the harrowing events of October 7, 2023, has left deep scars, both visible and hidden, and the process of reintegration is only just beginning.
According to the Associated Press, doctors, nurses, and social workers are mobilizing to aid the released hostages as they re-enter society. The immediate medical concerns are significant: many captives emerged thin and pale, a testament to prolonged malnutrition and lack of sunlight. Israeli health officials have confirmed that while all released hostages were in stable condition and did not require immediate intensive care, the true extent of their suffering is not always apparent. Dr. Hagai Levine, head of the health team for the Hostages Family Forum, cautioned, "But what appears on the outside doesn't reflect what's going on internally."
During their captivity, hostages endured more than just hunger and confinement. Many wore leg chains for months, leading to orthopedic issues and muscle waste. Some even suffered minor strokes that went untreated, compromising their immune systems. The effects of such deprivation can linger, with potential kidney, liver, and cognitive issues arising from both malnutrition and absence of sunlight. As they begin the process of recovery, nutritionists are taking special care to guide them through refeeding—a delicate phase where introducing food too quickly can trigger refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The psychological impact is equally profound. As reported by OneIndia, hostages must relearn basic aspects of daily life—when to eat, when to use the bathroom, and how to make simple decisions. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist, explained, "Stimulation-wise and autonomy-wise, it's really overwhelming." In the initial days following their release, protocols require caregivers to ask permission for every action, no matter how small, including turning off a light or changing bedsheets. This meticulous restoration of autonomy is crucial for helping survivors regain a sense of control over their lives.
For some, the first days of freedom are a blur of euphoria mixed with guilt—guilt over the pain their families endured and the knowledge that others remained behind. Yehene observed, "I see movement from frozen emotions and frozen trauma." The emotional healing process is ongoing, with many hostages unable to focus on their own recovery until all captives were freed. Family reunions, though joyful, can be overwhelming as survivors and loved ones navigate the complex emotions of relief, grief, and hope.
Personal stories highlight the depth of this emotional journey. Iair Horn, whose brother Eitan was among the freed, expressed his relief: "About eight months ago, I came home. But the truth is that only today am I truly free." Similarly, Liran Berman reflected on reuniting with his siblings Gali and Ziv after 738 days of captivity: "For 738 days, our lives were trapped between hope and fear." These reunions mark significant milestones in the process of emotional healing, as families begin to mend the bonds strained by years of uncertainty.
Not all hostages chose to return home immediately. Some opted to stay in a hotel north of Tel Aviv with their families, seeking a gradual adjustment to the rhythms of normal life. Others, eager to reclaim a sense of familiarity, returned home soon after being discharged from the hospital. Regardless of their choice, each individual faces a unique set of challenges as they navigate the transition from captivity to freedom.
The lessons of history weigh heavily on Israel's approach to recovery. The 1973 Arab-Israeli war provided a sobering precedent, as many soldiers held in Syria developed cancer and cardiovascular issues later in life—a stark reminder of the long-term effects of captivity. These past experiences have informed current protocols, emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical and psychological care.
The context of their release is rooted in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251, according to Israeli authorities. The ensuing hostilities devastated communities on both sides. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 67,600 Palestinian deaths since then, figures considered reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts, though they do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The scale of loss and trauma underscores the complexity of recovery—not just for the hostages, but for entire families and communities.
Medical teams are preparing for the long haul. The freed hostages will remain in hospital care for several days, undergoing tests and psychiatric evaluations before returning to their families. Specialists from a range of disciplines—nutritionists, orthopedic doctors, mental health professionals—are collaborating to address the multifaceted consequences of captivity. The goal is not only to treat physical ailments, but also to support survivors as they reclaim agency over their lives and futures.
Protocols put in place for their recovery stress the importance of autonomy. Caregivers are instructed to ask for permission before every action, no matter how minor. This approach, though seemingly tedious, is vital for helping survivors rebuild trust in their own decision-making abilities. Over time, these small steps can help restore a sense of normalcy and dignity.
There are no easy answers for those emerging from such profound trauma. The path ahead is uncertain, and setbacks are likely. Yet, the resilience displayed by the freed hostages and their families offers a glimmer of hope. As they begin to rebuild, their stories serve as a reminder of the enduring human capacity for recovery—even in the aftermath of unimaginable hardship.
For now, the focus remains on healing: tending to wounds both seen and unseen, and supporting each individual as they navigate the long road back to themselves. The journey is far from over, but with the help of dedicated professionals and the unwavering support of loved ones, the former hostages are taking their first steps toward a future defined not by captivity, but by resilience and hope.