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Sexual abuse is part of the medical treatment of released hostages

Theo

After almost nine months of captivity, hostages Noa Argamani, Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir and Andrey Kozlov were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

They are currently undergoing medical examinations at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer. In the coming days, the former hostages will undergo a comprehensive medical examination to determine their health status, injuries, suspected sexual assault and nutritional deficiencies.

Medical procedure

According to the Ministry of Health’s protocol, the hostages are treated in separate areas. Each hostage is given their own room and is accompanied by a nurse, a doctor and a social worker.

First, they undergo a general physical examination, which includes an assessment of their overall condition, injuries and bruises, and a head-to-toe examination.

Blood tests and other examinations

The hostages also undergo general blood tests, which typically include a complete blood count to detect infections and hemoglobin deficiencies due to iron deficiency or bleeding, a platelet count, and chemical tests for nutrient deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances.

Four Gaza hostages arrive at the hospital after their rescue (Source: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

Liver and kidney function tests and additional blood tests are also performed to determine vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels can drop significantly after long periods of darkness.

Orthopedic examinations and, if necessary, X-rays or CT scans are also part of the medical assessment.

Chronic illness

Hostages suffering from chronic diseases undergo a general examination by a specialist. Some hostages have been admitted to captivity with such diseases and urgent follow-up examinations are carried out to determine whether their condition has worsened.

In addition, medications that were not administered during captivity will be re-administered if necessary.

The examinations include discreet testing for possible sexual assault, which includes a gynecological examination and the collection of samples that may indicate such an assault.

Female hostages are likely to be subjected to pregnancy tests. Throughout the process, each hostage will be accompanied by a hospital social worker to assess their psychological distress. If necessary, a psychiatrist or psychologist will be called in for assessment.

Psychological and social support continues throughout the hospital stay and after discharge.

Support from the family

Family members of the hostages are asked to bring personal items to the hospital – clothes, books, shoes, favorite foods and anything else that could help them return to normal life.



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