Ex-Hostage Warns Hamas Aims for Israel's Destruction

Avinatan Or, who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for over two years after being abducted on October 7, 2023, delivered a powerful address at a special conference in New York. He shared his harrowing experiences from within the Hamas tunnels, detailing the psychological struggle for survival and his insights into the enemy's mindset.

Or described the profound darkness of captivity, where his senses sharpened and his mind focused solely on survival. He emphasized that despite the terrorists controlling every aspect of his reality, they could not take away his freedom to choose his reaction to his circumstances. "In the tunnel's darkness, I refused to give up the freedom to choose how to respond to the reality forced upon me," he stated.

He recounted a chilling encounter days before his release when a Hamas terrorist named Abu Hassan informed him of a deal and his impending return home. The terrorist advised Or to leave Israel permanently, stating, "As long as the State of Israel exists, this war between Israel and Hamas will never end."

This conversation, Or explained to the audience, clarified the true nature of Hamas and their singular goal: the destruction of Israel. "Believe me, I was held by the enemy. I was beyond enemy lines during a war. I heard their ideology, I saw their plans, I tasted their hatred," he asserted.

Or concluded his speech with a resolute call to action, urging leaders and the public to complete the mission to eradicate Hamas. "I know what war is, and believe me, I hate war. That is precisely why this war must end with only one outcome. Our mission is to ensure that an enemy whose entire life is dedicated to spreading death does not live alongside us. Because if they live there, we will not live here," he declared, stressing that the Middle East could only envision a better future once Hamas ceases to exist.