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The Guardian - UK

World

Jason Burke in Jerusalem

‘Absolute fear’: Israeli hostage describes abuse during 505-day Hamas captivity

Omer Wenkert Hamas Israel Gaza

Omer Wenkert blows kisses after being released on 22 February. — Omer Wenkert described being punched, beaten with an iron bar, spat on and forced to do physical exercises. Photograph: Nir Elias/Reuters

An Israeli hostage freed by Hamas last month has described the distressing conditions and abuse he says he endured during 505 days held in Gaza.

In an interview on Israeli television, Omer Wenkert, 23, said he had hidden in a bomb shelter with a close friend when it became clear the Nova music festival was under attack by Hamas and other militants from Gaza on 7 October 2023.

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