Israeli meds gear up to treat freed hostages

Upon reaching Israel, hostages to be sent to one of 6 designated hospitals; long captivity raises concerns about health

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AS Israel prepares for the return of hostages, medical staff said they're concerned about how long people have been in captivity. Six hospitals throughout the country are preparing to receive the hostages.

"Our main concern is the long time ... they are probably held in very very bad conditions, lack of nutrition, lack of hygiene," said Dr Hagar Mizrahi, head of the medical directorate at Israel's health ministry.

Around 100 hostages, a mix of civilians and soldiers, remain captive inside Gaza. They include around a dozen foreign nationals from Thailand, Nepal and Tanzania.

The military believes at least a third of the remaining hostages—and up to half of them—are dead.

Under phase one of the ceasefire, 33 hostages are set to be released as early as Sunday.