Parents of Hostage Eitan Mor Share New Details About His Captivity

Tzvika and Efrat Mor, parents of Eitan Mor, a hostage held in Gaza for 590 days since October 7, 2023, shared new details about their son’s condition in captivity during an interview with Ynet today (Sunday).

The information comes from a survivor of captivity, released during the initial hostage deal in November 2023, who is the only known person to have seen and spoken with Eitan while in Gaza.

The survivor, who spent three days with Eitan in a tunnel alongside three other men, described Eitan as a source of strength for his fellow captives. “He was truly their spokesperson against the captors,” Efrat recounted from their half-hour conversation with the survivor. “He never stops believing everything will be okay and that they’ll get out of there. It’s simply amazing that, as we imagined, this is actually happening, and it gives us a lot of strength.”

The survivor noted that Eitan uplifted two other hostages from kibbutzim who were in despair, cheering them up, making them laugh, and instilling hope for their release.

Efrat emphasized the emotional weight of hearing these details, confirming the family’s belief in Eitan’s resilience. The parents have not disclosed the survivor’s identity, respecting the sensitivity of the situation, but expressed gratitude for the account, which aligns with their understanding of their son’s character.

Over a month ago, on April 2025, Tzvika spoke at a Knesset committee, addressing Eitan directly in hopes his words might reach him. “I say to you, my son Eitan, maybe he’ll hear me… Hold on where you are,” Tzvika said, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to secure the hostages’ release. “You will get out of there with everyone else; we are certain of it, we believe in it, and we know you’re strong.”

He recalled naming Eitan at his brit milah in the Cave of the Patriarchs, unaware then how fitting the name, meaning “strong” in Hebrew, would become. “We’re sure you’re holding on, and we’re certain you’re strengthening the other hostages with you, encouraging them, listening to them, making them laugh, to keep your lives going in that catastrophe in the tunnels.”

Eitan's parents expressed hope that he is not alone, stating, “We hope there are hostages with you so you’re not in terrible solitude.”