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Or Levy was abducted by Hamas on the 7th of October 2023 during the Nova music concert in Israel. His wife Eynav Levy was killed that day, and he was then held hostage for over a year. Or's family, including his three year old son, grieved his whereabouts.

After on-going meetings with officials and campaigning, his family finally got the news that he would be released as part of the phase one negotiations between Israel's government and Hamas, and he returned to his hometown in Jerusalem on the 8th of February.

On seeing his brother after his release after 491 days in captivity, Michael Levy said "I don't have enough words to describe that moment, it was something that I will never forget"

Negotiations are still up in the air between Israel and Hamas regarding the phase two agreements which include a permanent ceasefire, and the release of all remaining living Israeli and Palestinian hostages.

The first phase of the truce deal mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US expired on Saturday, and both Israel and Hamas were set to begin the next phase. However, Israel recently blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded Hamas agree to a US plan on new ceasefire terms, which Hamas has rejected.

This leaves a worrying situation for several Israeli and Palestinian families, who remain in limbo as to when their loved ones may be returned.

Michael believes that the phase two agreements should happen soon, so that families are finally reunited.

He told Newsday, "It's time that we start recovering. We have to do everything to put an end to it. The families have suffered enough, people on both sides have suffered enough, and we have to make sure they are coming back as soon as possible".

(Photo: Or Levy being hugged by his brother Tal Levy after being released and greeting his family members.
Photo taken by Haim Zach / Israel's Government Press Office)

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