Freed Hostage Saw Avinatan Or Alive During Captivity
A freed hostage has reported seeing fellow captive Avinatan Or alive during their time in captivity, marking the first public indication of Or’s status since his abduction on October 7, 2023.
Or, 32, was attending the Supernova desert rave near Re’im with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, when Hamas terrorists launched a massive assault. The couple attempted to hide and called for rescue, sharing their location with friends and family. Tragically, they were captured, and a widely circulated video showed Argamani being forcibly taken on a motorcycle, pleading, “Don’t kill me!” while reaching out to Or, who was being led away on foot by militants.
Or, who grew up in Shilo in the West Bank, worked at Nvidia and had been living in Tel Aviv at the time of his abduction. Described by family and friends as a kindhearted and optimistic individual, he had a strong passion for music and travel.
Following her rescue by Israeli forces in June 2024, Argamani has been a vocal advocate for the release of remaining hostages, including Or. She has addressed international bodies, such as the United Nations Security Council, sharing her harrowing experience and urging global intervention to secure the freedom of those still held captive. In a poignant address, she stated, “I was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the Nova music festival with my partner, Avinatan Or.”
The recent confirmation of Or’s survival brings a glimmer of hope to his family and friends, who have endured months of uncertainty. This development underscores the ongoing urgency and importance of diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to ensure the safe return of all individuals still held in captivity.
As of now, 24 hostages are believed to remain alive in Gaza, including 22 Israelis, one Thai national, and one Nepali national. Negotiations for their release are ongoing, with the current hostage-ceasefire agreement’s second phase aiming to secure their freedom. However, discussions have encountered challenges, leaving the truce between Israel and Hamas in a delicate state.