Avinatan Or: Emaciated After Two Years in Hamas Captivity

Newly released photos reveal Avinatan Or, an Israeli hostage just freed from Gaza, looking noticeably thin and frail. The images, distributed by the Israel Defense Forces, document the moment of his handover to Israeli troops inside the Gaza Strip. In the pictures, Or wears a quasi-military uniform, similar to attire Hamas has forced on other hostages during their releases.

The emotional handover marks a critical milestone for Or, who had been held for more than two years. Following his retrieval, authorities immediately transferred him to the IDF’s Re’im base. He is now undergoing initial medical evaluations and is expected to reunite with his family shortly. His physical condition is a primary concern after his prolonged captivity.

Avinatan Or’s Harrowing Kidnapping

Or was abducted on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival. His kidnapping occurred alongside his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. Her dramatic rescue by Israeli forces in June 2024 captured worldwide attention and offered a beacon of hope for other hostage families. The couple’s abduction was brutally documented in a Hamas-released video, which quickly became one of the most recognized symbols of the day’s atrocities.

Until this recent release, the public had not seen any new images of Avinatan Or since the initial 2023 video circulated. His reappearance, while concerning, finally provides a long-awaited answer about his status. The successful rescue of this Israeli hostage brings a measure of relief, yet it also underscores the ongoing urgency to secure the freedom of all remaining captives. The nation continues to watch for updates on his health and recovery.