Eliya Cohen, who was held hostage for 505 days after being abducted from the Nova music festival, revealed in an interview that Hamas terrorists killed a captive who attempted to escape while being transported to Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Speaking to Channel 12, Cohen described the brutal conditions he endured, including starvation, confinement in chains, and psychological torment. He was held with Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Alon Ohel—who remains in captivity.
Cohen recounted fleeing to a roadside bomb shelter with his fiancée, Ziv, only for Hamas terrorists to attack with grenades. He described how Aner Shapiro, an off-duty soldier, heroically threw back grenades before being shot and killed.
After being captured, Cohen was beaten and transported to Gaza. He recalled a fellow captive attempting to jump from the truck, only to be shot dead.
Held underground, Cohen was given minimal food—sometimes just a piece of pita and spoonfuls of beans. His captors increased rations only after global outrage over the malnourished condition of released hostages.
Despite his release in February, Cohen remains committed to advocating for those still in captivity, particularly Ohel. “Until I meet you again in Israel, it’s not over,” he said.
Hamas still holds 59 hostages, including the bodies of at least 35 confirmed dead.
