Three years after images of their kidnap shocked the world Noa Argamani’s ex-boyfriend describes his hell in Gaza – from seeing his girlfriend taken, daring escape bid and miracle when his faith saved him
Avinatan Or has described how he and his girlfriend Noa Argamani were captured after fleeing the Nova music festival during the 7 October 2023 attack. Their separation was recorded in footage that became widely recognised, and Or’s account sheds light on the hostages’ experiences and the lasting effects of captivity.
Or says they hid in a ditch for about two hours before armed men found them and marched them towards Gaza. Argamani was taken away on a motorbike while Or was restrained, then held for 738 days, much of that time in isolation underground. His memoir, *Through the Earth*, recounts a tunnel escape attempt that ended with his capture and torture; the article says the couple’s relationship did not survive their ordeal.
- Or describes the couple’s capture and separation on 7 October.
- He says he spent 738 days in Hamas captivity.
- His memoir recounts an escape attempt and torture.
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On 7 October 2023, armed militants attacked Israel, targeting civilian areas including the Nova music festival where hundreds had gathered. Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, a couple attending the festival, were captured as they tried to escape.
Their capture was recorded on video, showing Argamani being taken away on a motorbike whilst Or was forcibly restrained. Or was held in Gaza for 738 days, predominantly in isolation in underground locations. During his captivity he endured torture and attempted an escape through tunnels, which resulted in his recapture.
Accounts from those held captive following the 7 October attack have documented what took place. Or and Argamani's relationship did not survive their ordeal, though both were eventually freed. Both have since spoken about their experiences during their captivity.