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

Omer Wenkert says he was held mostly in darkness - and his mistreatment was often sparked by events in war

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.