Hostage Survivor Avinatan Or Details Escape Attempt in New Book

Avinatan Or, a survivor of Hamas captivity, has released his new book, "Beyond the Earth," detailing his experiences during his time held hostage by Hamas. In a launch video shared with his Instagram followers, Or revealed his decision to attempt an escape from captivity, disclosing that he planned and dug a tunnel over ten meters long with his bare hands.

Or was abducted from the Nova music festival near Re'im during the Hamas attack on October 7. Footage of his abduction alongside Noa Argamani, being transported on a Hamas operative's motorcycle into Gaza, became an iconic symbol of the massacre and garnered international attention. Or was released in the prisoner exchange deal in October 2025.

During the book launch, Or stated, "For 738 days, you made my life an inseparable part of your lives. You fought for me without knowing me, and I fought every day to survive and maintain my composure. Since returning home to you, to my family and my life, I was a captive for over two years, alone."

He further elaborated on his escape attempt from the tunnel where he was held: "I managed to plan and dig my escape tunnel for months. I dug more than ten meters out with my hands. Throughout this entire period, I never stopped thinking about all the efforts and costs of so many Israelis working together to ensure our lives here."

Or concluded, "Today, almost a year after my return, I want to share with you the difficulties, events, and all the thoughts I had during my captivity. This time, they are from beyond the earth."