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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

‘I became their slave’: Israeli hostage recounts 500 days in Hamas captivity

Hamas Omer Shem Tov Israel RFI Gaza Tel Aviv Nova
Omer Shem Tov and Omer Wenkert are released as part of a ceasefire prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, in Nuseirat, Gaza, 22 February, 2025.
Omer Shem Tov and Omer Wenkert are released as part of a ceasefire prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, in Nuseirat, Gaza, 22 February, 2025. © Ramadan Abed / Reuters

Omer Shem Tov was abducted by Hamas at the Nova music festival in Israel on 7 October, 2023 and held hostage by the armed Islamist group for 505 days. The 24-year-old has published a book about his time in captivity, entitled Meeting Myself in Hell. RFI spoke to him at his parents' home near Tel Aviv.

Israel marked the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks on Wednesday with silent tributes to remember the 1,221 people killed on the deadliest day in the country's history.

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