Medical Teams Confront Severe Malnutrition and Trauma

Doctors at Israeli hospitals are now treating the former hostages for conditions including malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and orthopedic injuries caused by wearing leg chains for months. Many are also suffering from muscle loss, infections, and psychological distress.

“They will need time to heal physically and mentally,” said Hagai Levine, head of the Hostages Family Forum medical team, who oversees the hostages’ recovery process. “What appears on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s going on internally.”

According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, each returning hostage undergoes a comprehensive series of medical and psychological tests. Nutritionists are supervising their food intake to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition caused by consuming food too rapidly after long periods of starvation.

Hostages Emerge Pale and Fragile

Witnesses described the newly released captives as “extremely thin and pale.” Doctors say months of confinement without sunlight can impair kidney and liver function, damage bones, and cause long-term cognitive effects. Many captives were kept in chains, leading to muscle wasting, circulation problems, and chronic pain.

Elkana Bohbot, one of the freed hostages, told his family he suffers from pain throughout his body, especially in his back, feet, and stomach. His wife, Rebecca, said he was force-fed before his release “so he would look a bit better for the world.”

Some previously released hostages experienced minor strokes or untreated infections during captivity. Many now have weakened immune systems, prompting hospitals to limit visits. Levine has warned politicians against making unnecessary hospital appearances, calling them “both intrusive and potentially risky.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Defense Minister Israel Katz all visited hostages in recent days. Netanyahu was later diagnosed with bronchitis.

Long-Term Health Risks from Captivity

Israeli medical teams are drawing lessons from previous conflicts. After the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, dozens of soldiers who were held captive in Syria developed long-term health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Experts fear similar consequences could emerge for those recently released from Gaza.

The war that began in October 2023, when Hamas militants stormed across the Israeli border, killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run administration, more than 67,600 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict. The figures are regarded by U.N. agencies as broadly credible, though the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Restoring Autonomy and Emotional Stability

The process of psychological rehabilitation is as crucial as the medical care. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist who leads rehabilitation efforts for the Hostages Families Forum, said restoring autonomy is central to recovery.

“After two years in tunnels, some are seeing sunlight for the first time,” Yehene explained. “Even simple questions—‘Do you need to eat? Do you want to go to the bathroom?’—can feel overwhelming.”

Therapists encourage small, voluntary decisions to rebuild confidence and control. Medical staff are instructed to seek the hostages’ consent before performing any task, from changing bedsheets to adjusting lights.

Some freed captives experience panic when feeling thirsty, associating the sensation with their captivity. Others struggle to be alone, requiring a family member to remain close by at all times.

Fathers Find Strength Through Family Bonds

According to Levine, hostages who were fathers often reintegrate more smoothly than others. “Becoming a parent again helps rebuild identity and responsibility,” he said. However, trust between parents and young children can take time to reestablish.

None of the women held long-term were mothers, he added, noting the unique emotional strain faced by those who endured captivity in isolation.

Guilt, Relief, and Reconnecting with the World

During the first days of freedom, many hostages experience a mix of euphoria and guilt—joy at being free but pain over what their families endured. Rehabilitation teams advise relatives to reintroduce information and media gradually, especially for those unaware of how much has changed since their abduction.

Yehene said she witnessed “a visible psychological release” among both newly freed and previously released hostages after Monday’s liberation. “You can see movement from frozen emotions and frozen trauma,” she said. “For many, this is the first moment they stop feeling responsible or guilty.”

For Iair Horn, released in February, true freedom came only this week when his younger brother, Eitan, was also freed. “Eight months ago, I came home,” he said tearfully. “But the truth is, only today am I truly free.”

Liran Berman, whose twin brothers Gali and Ziv were released, echoed that sentiment. “For 738 days, our lives were trapped between hope and fear,” he said. “Seeing them again was like feeling the world start to move again.”

A Nation Confronts the Human Cost of War

The release of the final hostages marks a turning point for many Israeli families still grappling with loss and trauma. The process of recovery—both individual and collective—remains ongoing. Medical experts emphasize that while the hostages’ bodies may heal, their psychological wounds will require months, if not years, of care and understanding.

As one therapist noted, “Freedom begins not with walking out of captivity, but with learning how to live again.”

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Source: AP News – After months in chains and darkness, freed Hamas hostages begin their long road to recovery

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A Painful Homecoming

For the long-displaced residents of Tel Rifaat, Syria, returning home after nearly a decade was meant to be a moment of relief. Instead, they have been met with devastation—homes reduced to rubble, streets lined with destruction, and a town still bearing the deep scars of war.

Tel Rifaat, a key battleground in northern Syria, has been caught in the crossfire of multiple conflicts, most notably between Syrian Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed armed groups. Years of fighting, shifting control, and forced displacements have left the town in ruins.

A Town Caught in Cycles of War and Displacement

• 2016: Syrian Kurdish forces took control of Tel Rifaat, forcing many residents to flee.
• Afrin Crisis: When Turkish-backed forces seized Afrin, many displaced Kurdish residents fled to Tel Rifaat.
• December 2023: In a rapid offensive, Turkish-backed Syrian rebels took Tel Rifaat from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once again shifting control.

Now, those who have returned to reclaim their homes are confronted with a new, unexpected discovery—an underground tunnel network beneath the town.

A Hidden Underground World

During the years of SDF control, a vast network of tunnels was built beneath homes, schools, and public buildings for military purposes. Local authorities say these tunnels have weakened the structures above, causing walls to crack and buildings to sit on unstable foundations.

Rebuilding efforts are made even harder by the town’s fragile infrastructure. Many returning families find their homes in complete disrepair:

• Doors hang off broken hinges.
• Walls bear the marks of war and neglect.
• Rooms have been stripped of essentials—wiring, plumbing, and even furniture.

Signs of hurried departures and past battles are everywhere: scattered debris, abandoned belongings, and makeshift barricades hastily taken down.

Barriers and Broken Infrastructure

On the outskirts of Tel Rifaat, a massive concrete wall—once built as a military barrier by the SDF—now cuts through the town, blocking access to farmland.

Basic services remain virtually non-functional:

• Water and electricity networks barely work.
• Public services are limited or nonexistent.

A Determined Effort to Rebuild

Despite the destruction, the people of Tel Rifaat remain resilient. Many are already working to clear the rubble and piece their lives back together.

Their return is not just about reclaiming lost homes—it’s about restoring a town that has been trapped in cycles of war for over a decade.

Now, the challenge remains: Can Tel Rifaat rebuild, or will it remain another casualty of Syria’s long and brutal conflict?

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The Assad regime, long seen as a resilient force in the Middle East, collapsed with shocking speed, leaving Syria at a pivotal turning point. In less than two weeks, the regime, hollowed out by decades of corruption and decay, fell apart, taking many observers by surprise. This dramatic downfall marks the end of an era and ushers in a new chapter of uncertainty and potential transformation.

From Stability to Collapse

The Assad regime’s origins trace back to Hafez al-Assad, who seized power in a volatile Syria and built a ruthless system to ensure control. When power passed to his son Bashar in 2000, many Syrians hoped for reform. By 2011, amid the Arab Spring, the regime faced growing demands for change. Bashar initially retained some legitimacy due to his youth, promises of reform, and support for Palestinian and Lebanese causes. However, his decision to brutally suppress peaceful protests shattered any remaining trust.

The regime’s strategy mirrored that of a mafia-like structure, rewarding loyalty while crushing dissent. This system of fear disguised its deep weaknesses, which ultimately contributed to its rapid downfall.

International Missteps and Regional Dynamics

In recent years, the Assad regime became heavily dependent on support from Russia and Iran. Efforts by the United States, Israel, and the UAE to weaken its ties to Tehran only partially succeeded. While Israel’s strikes disrupted Iran’s supply chains to Hezbollah, and U.S. sanctions aimed to isolate Assad, these measures did not anticipate the regime’s imminent collapse.

Both Israeli and U.S. leaders have claimed partial credit for Assad’s downfall. Yet, it appears that the unraveling was more accidental than strategic. The collapse has shaken the region, dismantling Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance” and leaving Hezbollah weakened.

The Role of the Rebels

The decisive blow came from a well-organized rebel force, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which positioned itself as a nationalist and Islamist movement rather than a jihadist group. Faced with a loss of morale, Syrian army conscripts refused to fight, signaling the regime’s loss of control. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Joulani has since emerged as a de facto leader, calling for national reconciliation and coexistence among Syria’s diverse communities.

A Fragile Future

Despite Joulani’s calls for unity, Syria remains fragmented. Dozens of armed groups operate independently, tribal militias in the south assert their autonomy, and remnants of the Islamic State persist in the eastern deserts. The absence of a unified leadership risks plunging the country into further chaos, echoing the violent aftermaths of regime changes in Libya and Iraq.

The need for a stable and inclusive governance structure is critical. A reformed Syrian Arab Army could play a stabilizing role, avoiding the mistakes made in post-invasion Iraq, where disbanding the military led to widespread instability.

Regional and Global Implications

The fall of the Assad regime reverberates across the region. Turkey’s President Erdogan, having supported rebel-held Idlib, now sees an opportunity to expand influence. Israel, concerned about an Islamist-led Syria, continues to target military installations. Meanwhile, Iran faces the collapse of its key regional ally, potentially prompting it to reassess its strategies, including the possibility of pursuing nuclear capabilities.

The Path Ahead for Syrians

Syria’s future hinges on whether its people can take charge of their destiny. Decades of authoritarian rule and external manipulation have robbed Syrians of agency. The best-case scenario involves fostering national reconciliation, avoiding revenge-fueled chaos, and rebuilding a country grounded in justice and inclusion.

The fall of Assad is both a moment of liberation and a daunting challenge. Whether Syria can seize this opportunity to rebuild or succumbs to further turmoil remains uncertain. One thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming months will shape the nation’s fate for generations to come.

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A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held, though tensions remain high near the Israel-Lebanon border. The ceasefire, brokered after over a year of intense conflict, faces challenges as both sides accuse each other of violations.

Israel Strikes Back
The Israeli military reported artillery fire and airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah activities. These actions followed observations of suspicious movements near a Hezbollah weapons facility and vehicles breaching the ceasefire terms.

Meanwhile, Lebanon accused Israel of multiple violations and stated it was closely monitoring the situation.

Calm Amid Uncertainty
Despite sporadic clashes, the ceasefire has brought a relative calm to the border region. Military bases, once abuzz with activity, now show signs of a slower pace. Soldiers are seen performing routine maintenance, and some express cautious optimism.

“We’re glad to be out of the fighting, but if Hezbollah remains a threat, we know we might have to return,” said one Israeli captain.

Public Sentiment Divided
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have expressed confidence, lifting some restrictions in border areas and dismantling protective structures. Netanyahu also warned of a forceful response if Hezbollah breaches the ceasefire.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Michael Kabesa, mayor of Hatzor Haglilit, called the ceasefire a “surrender.” “We didn’t finish the job,” he said, predicting future conflict if Hezbollah regains strength.

Rebuilding and Returning Home
For northern Israeli communities evacuated at the war’s onset, returning home is a priority. Many residents, like Kabesa, demand robust military presence and long-term security assurances. Israeli forces plan to gradually hand over control of southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army, supported by UNIFIL and oversight from U.S. and French forces.

Yet Kabesa remains skeptical. “No international force can guarantee our safety. We have to protect ourselves,” he said, referencing lessons learned from the devastating Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.

Resilience Amid Destruction
Some residents in the north chose not to evacuate during the war. Chris Coyle, a Scottish immigrant living in Kiryat Shmona, witnessed months of relentless Hezbollah rocket fire.

“Missiles hit several times a day. I had just four seconds to find cover, so I used to lie behind the fridge,” he recounted. Despite the destruction, Coyle believes the ceasefire offers hope for rebuilding.

“I’ve spoken to neighbors who plan to return. It’ll take time, but the town can come back to life,” he said.

Cautious Optimism Among Soldiers
Israeli troops leaving Lebanon see this as a chance for reflection. “It’s a moment to evaluate,” said the same army captain. “I hope our leaders will use this opportunity wisely but know when to react if necessary.”

While the ceasefire holds for now, residents and soldiers alike remain wary of what lies ahead.

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BEIRUT, Nov 27 (Reuters) – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group, held on Wednesday after being brokered by the U.S. and France. The agreement has brought an end to 14 months of deadly cross-border conflict, enabling displaced civilians to start returning to their homes in the devastated border regions.

This truce marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough in a region long marred by conflict. While it has halted the bloodiest clashes in years between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, Israel continues its separate war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Displaced Families Return to Devastated Homes

In Lebanon, cars loaded with belongings such as mattresses, suitcases, and furniture filled the roads southward, particularly through Tyre, a city heavily bombed during the fighting. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that approximately 1.4 million people were displaced by the violence.

In the village of Zibqin, one returning resident, Asya Atwi, stood amidst the ruins of her home with her family. Despite the devastation, she expressed defiance:
“The important thing is that we’re back, against Israel’s will and against the will of all the enemies. We will sleep on the rubble.”

Similarly, Zahi Hijazi, a 67-year-old resident of Beirut’s southern suburbs, surveyed the destruction of his apartment, calling it the loss of a lifetime’s savings.

Hezbollah Remains Defiant

In its first official statement since the ceasefire, Hezbollah avoided mentioning the agreement directly but reaffirmed its readiness to confront Israel. The group pledged to monitor Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, claiming its fighters were prepared to act if necessary. Hezbollah has suffered significant setbacks during the conflict, including the loss of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Casualties and Damage

The conflict has killed at least 3,768 people in Lebanon, according to official health reports, and caused widespread destruction across the country. In response to Hezbollah rocket attacks that began in October 2023, Israel launched extensive strikes on Lebanese towns and cities, including Beirut’s southern suburbs.

In Israel, displaced residents have also begun returning to border areas. However, the scars of conflict remain evident. Asor Gal’it, returning to the border town of Metula, expressed mixed feelings:
“We heard some shots when we arrived, but we trust our army. Let’s hope for the best.”

Ceasefire Terms and Enforcement

Under the agreement, Israeli forces are allowed to remain in southern Lebanon for 60 days to ensure a smooth withdrawal. The Lebanese army, tasked with overseeing the truce, has begun deploying additional troops south of the Litani River, an area previously bombarded by Israeli forces.

Israeli military officials have warned that any breaches of the ceasefire will be met with swift action. Israel’s Chief of General Staff, Herzi Halevi, stated:
“Hezbollah operatives approaching our forces or border villages will be struck. We’re preparing for the possibility that this truce may not hold.”

Diplomatic Efforts Shift to Gaza

While the truce has brought some relief to Lebanon, Gaza remains mired in conflict. Israel has vowed to continue its military campaign against Hamas, following the group’s deadly attacks on Israeli communities in October 2023.

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking shortly after the ceasefire was approved by Israel, called it a step toward lasting peace:
“This agreement is designed to ensure that Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations can no longer threaten Israel’s security. Our efforts now focus on achieving a similar truce in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, many in Gaza feel abandoned. Displaced resident Malak Abu Laila expressed despair:
“We hope for mercy and a truce here because we are exhausted.”

A Fragile Hope

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has offered a glimmer of stability in a turbulent region. However, the challenges of rebuilding and ensuring lasting peace remain immense, particularly as violence continues in Gaza. For now, those returning home in Lebanon and Israel are left to rebuild their lives amid the ruins of war.

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