4 Hospitals on High Alert as Israel Prepares for Tomorrow's Hostage Release
As Israel anticipates the release of eight hostages tomorrow, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals, hospitals across the country are bracing for the return of these survivors amid concerns for their health and security.
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Sheba, Beilinson, Ichilov, and Shamir-Asaf Harofe hospitals have been designated to receive the freed individuals, with preparations underway to provide them with the medical and psychological care they need after their harrowing experiences in captivity.
The release comes after months of negotiations and is a critical moment for both the hostages and their families. Gadi Mozes, 80, Arbel Yehud, 29, Agam Berger, 19, and five Thai nationals who have been held since the October 7 attacks, will be admitted to the hospitals, where their condition will be closely monitored. The distribution of hostages to hospitals was made in part based on the families' requests, ensuring they are placed in facilities equipped to handle their specific needs.
At Shamir-Asaf Harofe Hospital, special preparations are being made for the five Thai nationals. The hospital staff is on high alert, ready to provide the necessary medical care and support. Dr. Osnat Lavzion, the director of the medical center, emphasized the importance of not only medical but psychological care, given the isolation these foreign citizens have experienced. “The fact that they have no families here means that we must serve as their family, offering warmth, love, and dedicated attention,” she said. The hospital is working closely with the Thai embassy, with interpreters and a Thai-speaking psychologist on hand to ease the transition.
In recognition of the Thai nationals’ cultural needs, the hospital will also provide a mini-Buddha temple to restore a sense of comfort and normalcy. Vered Shenar, the head of social work at Shamir, shared insights from previous experiences working with Thai foreign workers. She recalled how, upon their initial arrival, many of the workers were withdrawn, scared, and struggling with trauma. With time and care, they began to open up and share their experiences, finding strength in their identity and connection to the people they were before their abduction.
Despite the focus on providing care and compassion, there is mounting concern over how the release will unfold, particularly after a controversial incident last week. In a previous hostage release, a "production" involving a staged event with Hamas members was criticized. There are fears that tomorrow’s release could mirror this spectacle, with hostages being paraded in front of a crowd from terrorist organizations. This raises serious questions about the ethics and security of such publicized exchanges.
As the clock ticks down to tomorrow's highly anticipated release, Israel remains on high alert, ready to provide the necessary care for the hostages, while also grappling with the implications of a tense and controversial process. The next 24 hours will be crucial as the nation prepares for another step toward bringing these hostages safely home.