Hostages’ doctor explains physical and psychological rehabilitation they will undergo

Hostage Condition and Initial Needs - Released hostages experienced isolation for 738 days, some were cuffed and subjected to torture [2] - Many hostages suffer from untreated chronic pain and potential irreversible handicaps, including musculoskeletal issues and burns [3] - Hostages lost 30-40% of their weight, potentially leading to long-term health implications [4] - Initial rehabilitation focuses on reuniting hostages with families and restoring their sense of humanity [6] Rehabilitation and Long-Term Recovery - Full recovery is a gradual process, with released hostages potentially experiencing nightmares and other problems even a year after release [7] - The concern for remaining hostages previously delayed recovery; addressing the fight to return remaining hostages is crucial for full recovery [7] - Hostages receive a welcome kit from the Israeli government, including a laptop and mobile phone, but face the challenge of information overload [8] Psychological Impact and Societal Reintegration - Hostages need to process news of losses and changes in their communities, including the murder of people they knew [10] - Families need to carefully manage the information shared with the hostages to aid their digestion of the news [12] - Hostages are not returning to their old selves but becoming new individuals, potentially emerging as leaders due to their resilience [12]