The Sickening Tactic
Chilling Footage: Hostages Forced to Wear Military Uniforms for Hamas Propaganda
Avinatan Or, whose abduction alongside Noa Argamani became a haunting symbol of October 7th, has been released after more than two years, emerging emaciated and dressed in a military-style outfit cynically imposed by Hamas for propaganda purposes.
The sight of Avinatan Or, along with 19 other hostages, being transferred to Israeli forces today marked the end of more than two years in Hamas captivity, yet the moment was underscored by the disturbing details of his treatment. Freshly released photos show Or visibly emaciated after his prolonged captivity, and, significantly, wearing a crude military-style uniform that Hamas forced him and several other male captives to wear during their release.
Or was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. His capture alongside his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, was featured in one of the most widely circulated and devastating videos of the massacre, and the footage became the last public image of him before his release. Argamani was dramatically rescued by Israeli commandos in a high-risk operation in June 2024.
The Cynical Use of Uniforms
The uniform worn by Or is a chilling testament to Hamas’s psychological tactics. The terror group compelled several male hostages, particularly those who were soldiers when taken captive, to don makeshift uniforms. This cynical move was orchestrated for propaganda purposes, designed to visually frame the hostages as prisoners of war or to suggest a military capture, rather than victims of a civilian massacre.
Avinatan Or was not the only hostage to be subjected to this disturbing tactic. Released hostages Rom Breslavski and Evyatar David were also seen wearing similar military-style garb upon their release, further confirming Hamas's deliberate and cruel manipulation of their captives' identities for public imagery.
Following his handover, Or was immediately flown to the IDF's Re’im base for a critical initial medical evaluation and a tearful family reunification. While the joy of his freedom is immense, his gaunt appearance serves as stark evidence of the deplorable conditions of his confinement. The process now begins for Or and the other returnees, a long journey of physical and emotional healing from the deep trauma inflicted during their two-year ordeal.
The End of a Haunting Chapter
Or’s return brings a measure of closure to a family and a nation haunted by the last images of him and Argamani. His journey, from the joy of the music festival to the nightmare of captivity and now to freedom, encapsulates the profound suffering endured by all the hostages. His emaciated frame and the imposed military garment are enduring symbols of the brutality of his captors and the price paid for his freedom.