Returned hostages not in immediate danger: Israel hospital director
Itai Pessach, director of Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, praised the newly released hostages who arrived at the hospital Tuesday, calling them "extraordinary women" who "endured the hardships of their captivity in a remarkable fashion."
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"Some of them had complex underlying illnesses and some suffered injuries when they were abducted or during their time in captivity," Pessach said. "They will need further medical treatment and attention, but there's no immediate danger to any of them."
Twelve hostages were released on Tuesday in the most recent prisoner swap: 10 Israelis and two foreign nationals from Thailand. Nine of the Israelis were women. One was a 17-year-old girl, Maya, and her dog, Bella.
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Pessach called Maya "a very brave young woman. "
"Bella also was examined last night by the veterinarian service of the Sheba Medical Center, and she's also fine, and she would stay with Maya for as long as she needs while they are still here," Pessach said.