Avinatan Or Says He Opposed a Hostage Deal at Any Cost Even While Captive

In his first interview, former hostage Avinatan Or said he opposed a hostage deal at any cost even during Hamas captivity, although such a deal could have secured his release. He explained that he feared another person could later be held in his place and said Israel needed to emerge victorious. Or said he watched demonstrations calling for the hostages' release on television in captivity and understood that his parents were not participating. He said that after returning, he told his parents he was proud of them rather than angry and that they had fought for him.