**Published Oct 15, 2025 • 5-minute read**
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Freed Israeli hostage Avinatan Or waves from a van as he arrives at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, following his release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Photo by Francisco Seco / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TEL AVIV, Israel — The last 20 surviving hostages released by Hamas are embarking on a challenging journey to recovery, which will involve addressing malnutrition, lack of sunlight, and the psychological trauma of being confined with leg chains for months. They are experiencing unexplained pain and emotional turmoil, and they will need to relearn basic decision-making skills, including something as simple as when to use the bathroom.
According to Israeli health officials, these hostages will be supported by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, specialists, and social workers as they reintegrate into society after two years of captivity in Gaza.
All of the hostages were reported to be in stable condition on Monday following their release, with none requiring immediate intensive care. However, Dr. Hagai Levine, head of the health team for the Hostages Family Forum, emphasized that outward appearances do not fully capture the internal struggles they face.
The newly freed hostages will remain in the hospital for several days to undergo various tests, including a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, in accordance with protocols set by the Israeli Ministry of Health. A nutritionist will also assist them and their families in developing a diet plan to prevent refeeding syndrome, a serious condition that can arise after prolonged starvation if food is reintroduced too quickly.
After previous releases, some hostages and their families opted to stay together in a hotel north of Tel Aviv for a few weeks to acclimate to their new circumstances, while others returned home immediately after being discharged from the hospital.
The hostages who emerged on Monday appeared notably thin and pale, likely due to extended periods of inadequate nutrition, according to Dr. Levine.
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