Hostage's Mother Reveals Hamas's Condition for Deal, Blames Netanyahu

Einav Tsengauker, mother of freed hostage Matan Tsengauker, revealed in a Channel 13 interview that Hamas's condition for continuing hostage negotiations was to speak with her directly. She stated she knew her son's whereabouts in near real-time throughout his captivity. Tsengauker also accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team of prioritizing political and personal considerations over the safe return of hostages, calling it one of the most difficult days of the fight for their release.

In a sharp social media post, Tsengauker elaborated on her accusations, stating that the hostages could have been saved but were "sacrificed on the altar of politics and personal considerations." She criticized the government for promoting the "Spinfield" narrative instead of securing their release, contrasting the "light" of the hostages with the "darkness" of those who voted against their freedom. She also alleged that Netanyahu's advisors leaked damaging information to the media during that critical period to sway public opinion against the hostage families' efforts.

Tsengauker described the immense pain of the families whose loved ones were killed, stating they had become like family to her and their grief still deeply affected her. She concluded by condemning the Prime Minister and his entire staff for their actions, suggesting they could never be redeemed.