Hostage Survivor's Mother Reveals Hamas Admission of Weakness

Ditzah Or, mother of recently released hostage Avinatan Or, spoke for the first time since her son's return to Israel on Channel 14's "HaPatriotim" program. She shared the complex emotions of her son's homecoming, emphasizing her firm belief that military pressure was the key to his release and that of other hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Or described the simultaneous feelings of joy for her son's return and deep sorrow for the fallen and the destruction in the community of Shilo and beyond, stating, "On one side of the heart there is joy and on the other there is crying, sadness, and terrible brokenness."

During the broadcast, Or revealed a conversation between Avinatan and his captors on the day of his release. Avinatan questioned one of his captors about the agreement to release the hostages, asking, "Tell me, why are you agreeing? How is it that you are releasing all of us in one day, everyone you have left, all the diamonds?" The Hamas militant admitted to the organization's dire situation, responding, "Hamas is weak, there is nothing to do, we have to."

Or highlighted that this crucial quote was omitted from the program "Uvda," asserting that it proves military pressure forced Hamas's hand. She reiterated her and the "Tikva Forum's" long-held conviction that only military decisiveness would achieve results, stating, "From the beginning, we understood that the way to bring them back is through decisiveness." She added, "To force them is by force, you don't force with pleasant words. What was needed was to bring them to their knees."

She noted that political and operational developments have since validated the approach of increasing military pressure. Reports from the US and her son's own accounts after his return reinforce the conclusion that Hamas agreed to the hostage release solely due to its weakened state and lack of alternatives at this time. Or also spoke about Avinatan's mental resilience during captivity, his connection to his roots, and his deep concern for his family, which caused him significant pain. She mentioned his worry over his parents' distress, telling him to conserve his strength as the entire country was concerned for them.

Regarding Avinatan's former girlfriend, Noa Argamani, Or stated that they had both undergone separate journeys during their captivity and had changed. "What suited before no longer suits now," she said, expressing hope that Avinatan would find a new partner and build a peaceful home.