Hamas on Saturday published a new photo of hostage Matan Zangauker, claiming Israeli troops were “besieging” the area where he was being held in Gaza and threatening to execute him should troops come near.
The military stressed in a statement that no attempt had been made to extract Zangauker.
In the image, Zangauker is propped up on his side as a blanket covers his lower body, while an IV drip bag can be seen in the background.
“We affirm that the enemy will not be able to recover him alive. We have preserved his life for 20 months; if this prisoner is killed during an attempt to free him, the occupation army will be the one responsible for his death,” said Hudhaifa Kahlout — known by the nom de guerre Abu Obeida — the spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.
“This is a final warning,” he added.
The photo was published amid intensified military operations throughout Gaza, as negotiations for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal continue.
Following Hamas’s publication of the photo, Zangauker’s mother, Einav, told a 1,000-strong crowd during a weekly protest: “I’m very worried about Matan’s physical and emotional state. I’m very afraid of a deterioration in his condition.”
She added in remarks addressed to the premier that her son’s “blood will stain your hands” if he fails to bring him back.
It was reported in May that Zangauker was struggling to stand on his own and was suffering from ongoing intestinal problems. He has gone through long periods of closing himself off in a corner, refusing to speak or eat, and suffers from muscular atrophy.
Zangauker was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, alongside his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky. Gritzewsky was released on November 30, 2023.
Hamas has previously said it would execute hostages if Israeli troops were seen approaching. In August 2024, Hamas murdered six hostages in Rafah as Israeli forces operated nearby.
Military officials have reiterated that every strike and operation in Gaza is carefully planned to avoid endangering hostages. (TOI/VFI News)
“Dear Lord, we pray for all the hostages who are still alive in Gaza and we ask that You sustain them miraculously. Please give them the strength to persevere and bring them back home to their families. We ask that you comfort and heal the wounded, protect the innocent, and let Your peace dwell over the land of Israel.”
Originally posted at vfinews.com
