Ex-hostage Avinatan Or attempted escape during time in Hamas captivity

Ex-hostage Avinatan Or attempted to break free from Hamas captivity during his time isolated in a below-ground cell in Gaza after October 7, 2023, he stated in an interview with N12's Uvda. Or recounted that the army had always emphasized there is no such thing as a perfect defense, indicating that escape attempts are possible due to weak points.

In his cell, Or could feel around and locate a wall made of sandbags, but he noted that this situation was different from being in a tunnel. He then spent approximately six months digging his way through the sandbags, using a garbage bag to hide from a security camera and a 60-meter extension cable for digging.

Or prepared a bag containing clothing he had found and a sign reading "Hostage," also writing a will and letters to his parents, should his escape result in his death. However, when he finally broke through the wall, he was quickly re-captured and faced even harsher conditions, including starvation and beatings.

Upon his release, Or was confronted by one of the Hamas terrorists who had held him captive. The terrorist told Or to say goodbye to his family, meet friends in a week, and travel to Europe. Or refused to leave, stating that he would not abandon his home in Gaza due to its ruin and death, as well as the threat of further attacks against Israel.