The terrorist group Hamas warned on Saturday that it would take responsibility for the possible death of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker if Israeli forces attempt to rescue him, following reports that the military has surrounded the area where he is believed to be held.
The threat was issued by Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, via the group’s Telegram channel: “The occupation forces are besieging the location where the Zionist prisoner Matan Zangauker is being held. We firmly state that the enemy will not be able to retrieve him alive. If this prisoner dies during a rescue attempt, the occupation army will bear full responsibility.”
This warning comes amid an escalation of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. In recent days, the Israeli military has ordered evacuations in northern Gaza and discovered the bodies of several hostages in the south.
Matan Zangauker is among approximately 20 hostages that Israeli authorities still believe to be alive out of the 55 who remain in captivity since the October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by Hamas. His mother, Einav Zangauker, is a vocal critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a prominent figure in the movement demanding an end to the war in order to bring the hostages home.
Hamas has reportedly instructed its fighters to execute hostages if they suspect Israeli forces are closing in. In August 2024, six hostages were killed by militants after sensing nearby troops, prompting the Israeli army to alter its operations to avoid further incidents, according to military sources.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the recovery of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai worker kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel. He was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz by members of the Mujahideen Brigades, a militia that collaborated with Hamas during the attack.
According to the military statement, Pinta was killed while in captivity. His remains were located thanks to intelligence obtained during a Shin Bet interrogation of a Hamas operative, combined with information from the Hostage Task Force and IDF Intelligence Directorate.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant extended condolences to Pinta’s wife and child and praised the troops involved in the recovery operation. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also expressed sympathy to the Thai worker’s family and urged the Israeli government to do everything in its power to bring back the 55 remaining hostages in Gaza, who are believed to include at least 20 still alive.
The recovery operation was carried out in southern Gaza in a joint effort by the IDF and the Shin Bet.
