Hostages' health stable, but psychological recovery just beginning 

Prof. Hagai Levin, head of the health department of the hostages' families headquarters, spoke this morning (Monday) about the situation of the three women, who were returned to Israel yesterday as part of the first phase of the current prisoner deal.

According to him, in an interview he gave to Kan Reshet Bet, Romi, Emily and Doron do not currently have "an urgent medical problem that requires immediate treatment."

At the same time, he added, "We still don't know what injuries they have undergone, including those that can cause them to become disabled. We see that Emily is missing fingers."

He added, "From the experience we have seen from the returnees in the past, sometimes there is a stage of initial euphoria, understandable and justified excitement and joy at the moment of return. But after a few days, when the painful truth and the memories flood in, there is a fall. So we need to know how to accompany them and their families all the way, and not just in the happy moments."

The three abducted women, Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari and Romi Gonen, were released from Gaza last night. After the initial meeting with their mothers at the absorption complex, they were flown to Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, with Air Force Commander Tomer Bar leading the flights.

After they arrived at the hospital, they underwent initial examinations and immediately afterwards, the abductees met with the rest of their family.