In a tense meeting with Ditza Or, the mother of hostage Avinatan Or, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced pointed criticism over the government’s approach to securing the release of captives held by Hamas. According to a Facebook post by the hawkish Tikva Forum, Ditza Or warned that signing an agreement to free only a limited number of hostages would effectively abandon her son and others still in captivity. The emotional exchange underscored the growing frustration among families of the 59 hostages believed to remain in Hamas’ custody.
Netanyahu insisted he was committed to bringing all hostages home, but his response to Ditza Or’s question about how release lists are determined raised eyebrows. “Only Hamas determines who will be on the list,” he reportedly said, highlighting the challenges Israel faces in negotiations. Ditza Or also expressed concern that releasing hostages in phases creates division and anxiety among families, who fear their loved ones may be left behind.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Rooftop Revolution Makes It World’s Top Solar Importer
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from other quarters. The Life Forum revealed that approximately 200 relatives of hostages, joined by 23 freed captives, have signed a letter supporting reservists’ calls for an immediate deal to free all hostages—even if it means ending the war in Gaza. The letter argues that continued fighting puts hostages’ lives at risk, stating, “It is not an assessment, it is a fact.” The signatories urged the government to prioritize the captives’ safe return over ongoing military operations.
As negotiations falter and public outcry grows, Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act between military objectives and the desperate pleas of families. The situation remains fluid, with no clear timeline for a resolution.
Key Points:
Ditza Or, mother of hostage Avinatan Or, warned PM Netanyahu that a partial hostage release deal would abandon her son and others.
Netanyahu claimed he is working to free all 59 remaining hostages but said Hamas decides who is on release lists.
Ditza Or criticized phased releases for causing tension among hostage families.
About 200 hostage relatives and 23 freed hostages signed a letter supporting an immediate deal to free all captives, even if it means ending the Gaza war.
The letter stated ongoing fighting endangers hostages’ lives, calling it a fact, not an assessment.
