Title: Israeli Hospitals Prepare to Treat Malnourished Hostages Released by Hamas
Byline: Alex Oliveira
Published: Nov. 23, 2023, 6:18 p.m. ET
The Israeli Health Ministry has issued guidelines to local hospitals for feeding patients suffering from malnutrition in preparation to admit 50 hostages released by Hamas as part of a cease-fire deal.
The official guidelines address the treatment of refeeding syndrome in returning captives, a condition that can be fatal to people who have not eaten properly for extended periods of time and are suddenly introduced to a normal diet.
“Prolonged malnutrition may lead to significant nutritional deficiencies that can adversely affect health and even pose a life-threatening risk,” the guide explained, breaking down the recommended diets based on age group.
Refeeding syndrome is caused by a sudden shift in fluid, electrolyte, and metabolic intake, and patients who have not had proper sustenance for a period of ten days are susceptible, according to the National Institutes of Health.
It is unclear what condition the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 surprise attack are in. Most of the hostages are believed to have been held prisoner in the elaborate network of tunnels burrowed deep beneath Gaza during their 54 days of captivity.
As part of the cease-fire agreement, Israel and Hamas have agreed to terms for a four-day cease-fire, during which Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners and send trucks of fuel and humanitarian supplies into Gaza in return for the release of the hostages.
The first hostages are due to be handed over at 4 p.m. Friday, with children being sent to the Schneider Children’s Medical Center and adults to Wolfson, Ichilov, Soroka, and Sheba hospitals.
Families of the hostages have requested specific guidance about refeeding syndrome to be sent out to hospitals, with Professor Hagai Levin, head of a medical team assigned to the families of hostages, emphasizing the need for a gradual and proper approach to their care.
As the hostages have been in captivity for over 50 days, their condition upon release remains uncertain.