Imagine the profound mix of relief and heartache as families reunite with loved ones after more than 700 days held captive – a moment that's both triumphant and deeply challenging. But here's where it gets controversial: As Israel and Hamas negotiate releases, is this ceasefire just a humanitarian pause, or a step toward lasting peace? Dive in to discover how a hospital is pioneering 'captivity medicine' to heal the unseen wounds.
Hospital Braces for the Return of Freed Israeli Hostages: Pioneering 'Captivity Medicine'
Posted 4 hours ago
Tim Franks
Petah Tikva
BBC
When the initial group of hostages is set free by Hamas in Gaza, whisked into Israel via helicopter, and rushed to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Dr. Michal Steinman will escort them to the sixth floor. There, she'll unlock the glass door and witness the heartwarming reunions with their nearest and dearest after an agonizing ordeal lasting over two years.
"It's an honor beyond words," shares the nursing director. "These are the pivotal moments that will stay etched in my memory when I'm 70 or 80 – just two or three defining experiences that embody core values for me as a nurse, a mother, a woman, and an Israeli."
Under the agreement between Israel and Hamas, twenty living hostages are slated for release, with several destined for this very facility. This marks the third activation of the specialized hostages' unit. During a BBC visit on Saturday, the medical team received details about the individuals they'd be caring for.
"There's no established specialty called captivity medicine – we're essentially creating it from scratch," Dr. Steinman explained to the BBC on Saturday, right after the team got the hostages' identities.
From the prior two hostage releases in November 2023 and January, the staff have gleaned crucial insights, as she points out.
First, they've become "medical sleuths," piecing together the mysteries of those endless days and nights in captivity.
With the earlier releases, often involving hostages who were severely malnourished, restrained, and abused, "we found anomalies in their blood tests and enzyme levels that baffled us at first," she notes. To clarify for beginners, these could include unexplained markers of malnutrition or stress hormones that don't align with typical medical charts, forcing doctors to think outside the box and research unique combinations of physical and psychological trauma.
- Follow live updates (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cder1pg17yrt)
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- Palestinians return to devastation in Gaza City (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czew72350ngo)
They've also realized that symptoms might not surface for days or even weeks after freedom.
"Captivity leaves an indelible mark on the body – memories etched into cells and minds alike," she elaborates. "It's like peeling back layers; it requires patience to uncover the full extent of the physical and emotional toll." For instance, someone might seem fine initially, but weeks later, anxiety or digestive issues could emerge as delayed reactions to prolonged stress.
"We're still supporting the hostages from January and February, and weekly, new discoveries about their health come to light."
Reuters
The second key takeaway is the importance of pacing everything deliberately. A diverse team of experts is involved: nutritionists, social workers, mental health professionals, alongside the full range of medical personnel.
Yet, each hostage's private room features a "do not disturb" sign. The setup intentionally mimics a hotel, complete with care packages, cozy furnishings, and gentle lighting that complements the hospital bed and monitoring equipment. An extra single bed is prepared for those who prefer not to be alone at night, allowing a partner or family member to stay over. Moreover, their closest relatives get a bedroom right across the hall.
"Medical professionals are usually goal-driven, sticking to timetables," Dr. Steinman remarks. "But in this scenario, we must grant them ample breathing room. We prioritize what's truly pressing and allow less urgent matters to wait a couple of days. It demands humility and adaptability, all while upholding our duty to provide top-notch care."
One critical duty involves figuring out what hostages – some of whom may have shed over half their body weight – can safely consume and at what pace. To illustrate, a gradual reintroduction of nutrients is vital to avoid overwhelming the digestive system, which might be weakened from starvation or irregular meals in captivity.
Their physical recovery is merely one facet. Karina Shwartz, the social work director at Rabin Medical Center, plays a central role, overseeing not only the hostages but also their immediate family. She guides them in navigating the delicate balance of family interactions – knowing when to engage and when to give space.
"The most significant element is often what remains unspoken," Ms. Shwartz explains. "Picture this: if a hostage shares a harrowing tale of nearly perishing in captivity, and we respond with thoughtful silence, that quiet can speak volumes of empathy." Yet, restraint is essential too. "We can't cram two years of experiences into a single week. They crave space, time, and tranquility. Our role is to listen attentively, absorbing their narratives."
The team in the hostage returns unit stresses that their work extends beyond the initial homecoming. Ongoing medical and psychological support is crucial, and hostages must be equipped, as Ms. Shwartz puts it, for "when reality rushes back in."
She and her colleagues emphasize to hostages and families that society will clamor for their stories. After two years as public figures, everyone will seek connection.
"Everyone will want to connect anew. We encourage them: it's perfectly fine to decline politely. It's safe to say no."
Currently, the staff's anticipation is almost tangible, tinged with nerves.
"Check my WhatsApp threads," Dr. Steinman says, embodying a quintessential Israeli nursing director with her nose piercing and tattoos.
Nearly all of her 1,700 nurses across the complex, she shares, have volunteered for additional shifts in the unit.
"It reignites your optimism," she reflects. "This work reminds you that humanity and life have inherent goodness. It showcases the remarkable resilience of the human spirit."
Still, the ultimate reward, she adds, will come when this chapter closes.
"We've activated this unit twice before. Knowing this could be the final time – shutting it down and declaring the mission accomplished – then, we'll truly grasp that the ordeal has ended."
And this is the part most people miss: the ethical debates surrounding hostage releases in conflict zones. Is 'captivity medicine' a noble innovation, or does it highlight the failures of diplomacy? Do you believe these agreements foster genuine reconciliation, or merely prolong a cycle of tension? What are your thoughts on balancing humanitarian needs with political realities? Share your agreements, disagreements, or alternative views in the comments below – let's discuss!
