The chilling account of Roei Shalev's 228-day ordeal in Hamas captivity has emerged, detailing one of the most prolonged and brutal hostage situations following the October 7th Nova music festival massacre.
The Day Hell Broke Loose
Shalev was among the thousands of young Israelis enjoying the peace of the Nova festival when Hamas militants launched their devastating attack. What began as a celebration of music and life quickly descended into a nightmare as gunfire erupted and rockets filled the sky.
"We thought it was just another rocket attack," survivors recalled. "But then we saw them coming - hundreds of armed men shooting everyone in sight."
Seven Months of Captivity
For nearly eight months, Shalev endured conditions described by former hostages as "medieval" and "torturous." Held in underground tunnels with minimal food and medical care, his family had no confirmation he was alive for most of his captivity.
Recent intelligence operations finally located Shalev among a small group of hostages being moved between Hamas strongholds in Gaza. The Israeli Defence Forces planned a daring rescue mission that involved:
- Precise intelligence gathering over several weeks
- Coordination with special forces units
- A nighttime operation in dense urban terrain
- Direct engagement with Hamas guards
The Dramatic Rescue
Israeli commanders described the rescue operation as "one of the most complex missions since October 7th." Operating in the heart of Gaza City, special forces engaged Hamas fighters while extracting Shalev and two other hostages from a heavily fortified building.
"We heard shouting in Hebrew, then explosions," recounted a nearby resident. "The fighting was intense - it lasted for hours."
Aftermath and Recovery
Shalev is currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support at an Israeli hospital. Medical sources report he's suffering from malnutrition and trauma, but is in stable condition.
His release brings the number of hostages still held in Gaza to approximately 120, with many families growing increasingly desperate for information about their loved ones.
The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to bringing all hostages home, stating that military operations will continue until this objective is achieved.
