Overview

• The last twenty living Israeli hostages were released from Gaza on Monday morning in a negotiated exchange.
• Israel freed roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the same deal, prompting widely viewed reunions.
• The Red Cross received several freed Israelis in Gaza and transferred them to Israeli authorities for family reunions.
• Psychologists Ellen Giebels and Heidi Nieboer warn of initial euphoria followed by risks of re-experiencing trauma, survivor guilt, and difficulty handling large public receptions.
• Former hostage Arjan Erkel says his 2002 captivity is not directly comparable, urging immediate health checks and professional psychological support for those released.