New Delhi: With hours left for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to come into effect, Tel Aviv is bracing for the return of hostages held in Gaza. The authorities and families of the hostages are concerned about their physical and psychological well-being after over a year in captivity. Health officials, alongside the Hostages Families Forum, are preparing for a range of medical and emotional challenges. The ceasefire is going to come into effect 12pm (6:30 GMT) Indian time.
The health team at the Hostages Families Forum is anticipates hostages returning with complications such as cardiovascular and respiratory issues, vitamin deficiencies, severe weight loss, cognitive impairments, and trauma-induced mental health conditions. The possibility of “refeeding syndrome”, a life-threatening condition caused by reintroducing food too quickly, is a particular concern, an AP report quoted Dr Hagar Mizrahi from the Ministry of Health as saying.
Hostages might require speech therapy, mobility support
Preparations include guidelines for initial nutrition and the allocation of six hospitals, including two near Gaza, equipped to handle acute cases. The health experts also anticipate that the hostages might also require speech therapy, mobility support, and sensory-sensitive environments to aid recovery.
Officials have cautioned against expecting celebratory reunions similar to those seen after the November 2023 ceasefire. Many hostages are likely to exhibit withdrawal, exhaustion, and signs of deep trauma. Special accommodations, including temporary housing, are being arranged for those unable to immediately return home.
The deal, which includes the release of 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, represents a crucial step in addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from the war.
Israel releases list of prisoners to be released
Meanwhile, Israel’s justice ministry has released a list of more than 700 Palestinian prisoners who are to be released under the ceasefire deal. The list came hours after Israel’s full Cabinet approved the ceasefire deal. According to reports, the list includes members of Hamas and Islamic militant groups, some of whom are serving life sentences and are convicted of serious offences such as murder.
Among the prisoners Hamas demanded to be released is Marwan Barghouti, which Israeli officials ruled out. Barghouti was a leader in the West Bank during the second Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. He is seen by many Palestinians as a prime candidate to become their president in the future.
