Hostage Survivor Avinatan Or Details Daring Hamas Tunnel Escape Attempt

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 actively fight for his freedom, just as Israelis were fighting for him above ground. He meticulously planned and dug the escape tunnel, emphasizing his belief that he was solely responsible for his fate.

He recounted a previous escape attempt where he managed to get outside and see the stars for the first time. However, his attempt was discovered by his captors, who then beat him 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, deprived of light, food, and human interaction.

"I never stopped thinking for a moment and never forgot that I am the only one responsible for my fate at any given moment," Or stated in the video. He also reflected on the efforts of many Israelis working together to ensure their safety.

This is not the first time Or has shared details of his ordeal. Last November, he revealed aspects of his escape attempt to the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America. His new book aims to share the difficulties, events, and thoughts he experienced during his captivity, now from "beneath the earth."