Israel’s trailblazing protocols for repatriating Oct. 7 hostages detailed in new study

A peer-reviewed study in the journal Healthcare details how Israel's Wolfson Medical Center developed protocols to treat 10 elderly female hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza in November 2023. The hospital created a multidisciplinary framework addressing acute trauma, chronic neglect, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychiatric stabilization.

A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Healthcare details how Israel's Wolfson Medical Center developed and implemented a pioneering clinical framework for repatriating civilian hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The hospital treated 10 elderly women, aged 29 to 85, who had been held for 48 to 55 days. The protocols addressed acute trauma, chronic neglect, nutritional rehabilitation, and psychiatric stabilization. Half the women arrived at high risk for refeeding syndrome, having lost up to 25% of their body weight. The hospital staff ran simulation drills, repainted walls to avoid triggering tunnel memories, and provided wristwatches, grooming services, and customized care to restore autonomy. The article quotes medical staff extensively but does not include perspectives from the hostages themselves.