Global health leaders are sounding the alarm over the wellbeing of more than 200 Hamas hostages held in crisis areas, stressing that their medical and living conditions require immediate attention. The World Health Organization has underscored that the health needs of these individuals, many of them children, must be met without delay to prevent a rapid decline in their condition. This situation, arising from the October 7 attack in southern Israel and the ensuing hostilities, sits at a critical intersection of security and health. The aim is to secure swift, safe, and humane release so that medical teams can deliver uninterrupted care and protect the hostages from preventable deterioration. The emphasis is on ensuring healthcare access as a fundamental component of humanitarian action during armed conflict and on coordinating a response that respects human dignity while addressing urgent medical risks.
Among the hostages are people with ongoing medical needs, including those requiring constant access to prescription medications, regular monitoring, and specialized therapies. Chronic diseases, mobility limitations, and conditions that can worsen quickly without consistent treatment are of particular concern. The World Health Organization has highlighted the necessity of maintaining continuity of care, reliable supply chains for essential medicines, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration, all while mitigating risks from unsafe shelter, overcrowding, and unsanitary living conditions. Disruptions in care could lead to life-threatening complications, making immediate medical attention essential for those living in precarious captivity. This risk assessment calls for robust on-site health capabilities and rapid coordination with international humanitarian actors to safeguard health outcomes.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, noted that trauma affects many hostages, including women, children, and older individuals, and that psychosocial support must accompany physical care. He stressed the profound mental health impact on hostages and their families, calling for trauma-informed approaches, counseling, and culturally sensitive support. The WHO advocates for access to mobile medical teams, ongoing mental health services, and continuous psychosocial care as part of a comprehensive humanitarian response. The organization also reinforces adherence to international humanitarian law, safe passage for aid, and clear contact with relatives, while working with authorities to protect the rights and safety of those affected. In its stance, the WHO urges an immediate, monitored, and safe release to prevent further health deterioration and to preserve the dignity of all hostages, as part of a global effort to defend vulnerable populations in conflict zones. This approach reflects a broader commitment by international public health bodies to blend medical expertise with humanitarian action during crises and to support families awaiting news with patience and hope.