"Aftermath of Israeli Hostage Release: Trauma, Testimonies, and Hope"

Hamas has released over 100 of the more than 240 people it kidnapped from Israel on Oct. 7, creating two sets of populations, including many children, in need of psychological support as they return to freedom. The road to recovery from such an experience can be long, but steps can be taken to help children who were held hostage navigate a path forward. Israel's health ministry has worked with child trauma specialists to develop protocols for interacting with the hostages, focusing on physical health as the immediate priority. Rebuilding trust and autonomy, as well as building resilience and coping skills, are crucial for the recovery process. Families of hostages also need support, as they have endured a "two-month marathon" of worry and fighting for their loved ones' release. Additionally, children in Gaza are also struggling with mental health issues, and the release of prisoners is just the first step in addressing the crisis affecting children in the region.