Story perspectives

20 Hostages Freed from Gaza: A Long Road to Recovery

10/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Twenty Israeli hostages returned to Israel after 737 days in Gaza, with their recovery prioritized.
Alon Ohel, 24, sustained serious injuries, including vision loss, during captivity.
The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and taken to military bases for medical evaluations.
Hospitals, including Rabin and Sheba, have created specialized rehabilitation units for the hostages and their families.
Experts highlight that rehabilitation requires ongoing medical and psychological care to help restore the hostages' identities after trauma.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 hijacking of Air France Flight 139 by Palestinian and German militants led to Israel's Operation Entebbe, a daring rescue mission that freed 106 hostages. This operation underscored Israel's ongoing struggle with hostage crises, a theme echoed in the recent return of twenty Israeli hostages after 737 days in Gaza, highlighting the long-term impact on trauma recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

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Story summary

Twenty Israeli hostages returned to Israel after 737 days in Gaza, with their recovery prioritized.
Alon Ohel, 24, sustained serious injuries, including vision loss, during captivity.
The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and taken to military bases for medical evaluations.
Hospitals, including Rabin and Sheba, have created specialized rehabilitation units for the hostages and their families.
Experts highlight that rehabilitation requires ongoing medical and psychological care to help restore the hostages' identities after trauma.

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