Rehabilitation 'Recovery does not end with their release - it begins with it'

As the remaining 20 living hostages return to Israel after enduring 737 days in Gaza, the focus will be on their recovery and rehabilitation.

- Emine Sinmaz

The condition of the hostages - all men aged 21 to 47 - is unknown but Israel’s foreign ministry warned that Alon Ohel, 24, suffered serious injuries, including the loss of vision in one eye, when he was abducted from the Nova festival.

The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza yesterday before being driven to the Re’im military base in southern Israel to be reunited with their families and undergo an initial medical evaluation. Helicopters were prepared to airlift them to one of three Israeli hospitals - Sheba, Ichilov and Rabinfor further treatment if necessary.

Some hostages previously released have appeared gaunt and weak, and doctors have warned of their complex psychological and medical needs. Groups representing hostages and their families have stressed that both can need ongoing medical, psychological and social rehabilitation.

Prof Hagai Levine, the head of the health team for the hostages' families, said yesterday that he had repeatedly warned of the “grave danger” for the health of the hostages and their families.