Hostage Survivor Avinatan Or Details Escape Tunnel Digging in New Book

Avinatan Or, who was held captive by Hamas for 738 days, has released a new book detailing his experiences and a daring escape attempt. In a video shared online, Or described how he spent months digging a tunnel with his bare hands, extending it over ten meters.

Or explained that after more than a year in captivity, he decided to fight for his freedom underground, mirroring the efforts of those on the surface working for his release. He emphasized his determination to survive and maintain composure, stating, "I never stopped thinking for a moment and did not forget that I am the only one responsible for my fate at any given moment."

He recounted a previous escape attempt where he managed to get outside and see the stars for the first time, only to be discovered by his captors. They reportedly beat him for days and tied him to a chair for a week. Or described the harsh conditions of his captivity, spending over two years alone in tunnels in Gaza without light, food, or human interaction, and being unaware of the passage of time or world events.

Or was among the last hostages to be returned home. He shared that the most difficult aspect of his captivity was the profound isolation and uncertainty about the fate of his loved ones. His new book aims to share the hardships, events, and thoughts he experienced during his time as a hostage, as seen from beneath the earth.