On October 13, 2025, the last 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released, marking a significant—if bittersweet—milestone in a conflict that has left deep scars on both sides. As the freed individuals began the arduous process of recovery, the Israeli military also announced that the Red Cross had received the remains of another hostage from Hamas, according to AFP and corroborated by multiple outlets. Yet, even this moment of progress was tinged with uncertainty: forensic tests revealed that at least one set of remains did not match any known hostage, underscoring the ongoing ambiguity and trauma that haunt the families still waiting for closure.
For the hostages who survived nearly two years in captivity, the path back to normalcy is fraught with challenges. According to Israeli health officials cited by the Associated Press, the newly freed hostages are being treated for a litany of physical and psychological wounds: malnutrition, lack of sunlight, trauma from wearing leg chains for months, unexplained pain, and the emotional toll of prolonged isolation. Their ordeal has left them exceptionally thin, pale, and burdened by pain that is often difficult to articulate. Dr. Hagai Levine, head of the health team for the Hostages Family Forum, noted, "What appears on the outside doesn't reflect what's going on internally."
Upon release, each former hostage is accompanied by a team of doctors, nurses, specialists, and social workers. Their first stop is the hospital, where they undergo a battery of tests, including full psychiatric evaluations. Nutritionists play a critical role as well, guiding both the hostages and their families through carefully planned diets to avoid refeeding syndrome—a dangerous condition that can arise when food is reintroduced too quickly after starvation.
Some hostages, like Elkana Bohbot, have shared harrowing details of their captivity with their families. According to Israeli television's Channel 12, Bohbot suffers from pain throughout his body, especially in his back, feet, and stomach—a result of force-feeding administered before his release, presumably to make him appear healthier to the outside world. "Ahead of his release, he received food in large portions so he will look a bit better for the world," explained his wife, Rebecca Bohbot, from the hospital.
Medical complications are not limited to malnutrition. Many hostages developed kidney, liver, and cognitive issues, as well as osteoporosis from lack of sunlight and nutrition. The use of leg chains throughout captivity led to orthopedic problems, muscle wasting, and even blood clots. Some suffered minor strokes that went untreated, and infections were rampant, leaving immune systems severely compromised. Dr. Levine warned that the number of visitors should be kept to a minimum to avoid further strain, and he criticized politicians' visits to the recovering hostages as both unnecessary and potentially hazardous. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for instance, visited five hostages on October 14 and was diagnosed with bronchitis the following day.
Psychological recovery is every bit as daunting as the physical. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist and head of rehabilitation for the Hostages Families Forum, emphasized the importance of restoring a sense of autonomy. Many hostages were brought straight from Hamas tunnels, seeing sunlight for the first time in nearly two years. "I'm happy to see the sun. I'm happy to see the trees. I saw the sea. You have no idea how precious that is," Bohbot told his family, according to Israeli media. Yehene described how overwhelming it is for the hostages to be asked basic questions—such as whether they need to go to the bathroom or would like something to eat—after years of having no say in their daily lives.
Small steps are crucial. Protocols now require that everyone treating the returned hostages ask their permission for even the smallest actions, from turning off a light to changing bedsheets. Some are terrified of the sensation of thirst, a trigger that brings back memories of captivity. Others cannot bear to be alone, needing the constant presence of a family member. Interestingly, Levine observed that fathers among the hostages seemed to reintegrate more smoothly, as the responsibility of parenting helped reestablish a sense of normalcy and trust—though it was a gradual process. Notably, none of the women held for long periods were mothers.
The emotional journey is complex. The first days after freedom are often marked by euphoria, quickly followed by guilt over the pain their families endured. Yehene advised that information about what transpired in Israel during their captivity should be shared slowly and carefully, as many hostages had little access to news. She also noted a shift among previously released hostages, who, after Monday's release, began to process their own trauma. "I see movement from frozen emotions and frozen trauma," she said. "You don't feel guilty anymore. You don't feel responsible."
The ripple effects of the hostages' return extend beyond the individuals themselves. Iair Horn, released in February, admitted that his freedom felt incomplete until his younger brother, Eitan, was also released. "About eight months ago, I came home. But the truth is that only today am I truly free," Horn said, his voice breaking as he spoke from the hospital where Eitan was being evaluated. "Only now that Eitan is back is my heart, our heart, whole again."
For families like the Bermans, the end of captivity marked the conclusion of an agonizing chapter. "For 738 days, our lives were trapped between hope and fear," said Liran Berman. "Yesterday that chapter ended. Seeing Gali and Ziv again, holding them after so long, was like feeling the world start to move again."
Yet the broader context remains grim. The war began when Hamas-led militants crossed the Israeli border, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251. Since then, fighting has claimed over 67,600 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza's Health Ministry—a figure that, while generally seen as reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The ongoing violence, destruction, and uncertainty about the fate of the remaining hostages continue to cast a long shadow over any sense of closure.
As Israel receives more remains—sometimes with uncertainty about their identities—and as the newly freed struggle to reclaim their lives, the story is far from over. The wounds of captivity and conflict will take years, perhaps generations, to heal. But for now, each small step toward recovery, each reunion, and each moment of regained autonomy is a testament to the resilience of those who have endured the unimaginable.