“Not Coming Back Alive”: Hamas Releases Photo of Hostage Matan Zangauker 

A new image released by Hamas shows kidnapped Israeli civilian Matan Zangauker in dire condition, connected to an IV bag, with bloodstains and bullet marks surrounding him. The photo, seemingly aimed at shaking the Israeli public and exerting psychological pressure, includes a message in broken Hebrew reading “Not Coming Back Alive” a chilling threat echoing earlier words from Matan’s mother, Einav Zangauker, who had warned that if her son returns in a body bag, she will become Prime Minister Netanyahu’s worst nightmare.

Einav Zangauker, Matan’s mother, has been vocal and unrelenting. Following the publication of the photo, she delivered a powerful speech at a central rally in Tel Aviv, launching a scathing attack on the Prime Minister: “I can no longer bear this nightmare. Netanyahu, the Angel of Death, continues to sacrifice the hostages. He uses the Israel Defense Forces not to protect the country, but to protect his government and prolong the war.” She warned that expanding the ground operation is putting her son and all other hostages at immediate risk. “If my Matan doesn’t return alive his blood will be on your hands,” she declared.

Matan was kidnapped on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his partner Ilana Gritzovsky, who was released in the first hostage deal. Since the release of fellow hostage Idan Alexander, Matan has been held alone. His physical condition has severely deteriorated he suffers from muscular dystrophy, severe weakness, tremors, and intestinal blockages. Reports describe horrifying conditions: he has survived on moldy bread and salty, polluted water, has been bitten by fleas and rats, and has endured both physical and psychological torture including being caged with his hands and feet bound.

Sources close to the family report that there is heavy military activity in the area where Matan is believed to be held, raising fears that he could be harmed if the area is bombed. “Over 40 hostages have died in captivity some directly because of the military pressure,” they claim. The IDF has publicly denied conducting any rescue attempt near Matan’s location.

Einav also addressed the IDF Chief of Staff: “You, who warned that escalating the war would result in the deaths of hostages this is your moment to act. The military pressure is killing them. Your duty is to protect Israeli citizens, not to endanger their lives. Be on the right side of history.”

She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message to her son: “My dear Matan, I know your condition. I know you are alone and sick in a dark tunnel. My beloved Matan please don’t break. Hang on a little longer. We are doing everything we can to bring you home.”

The battle to free Matan continues, as the public is once again confronted with horrifying evidence of the conditions in captivity and the deepening anguish of the hostages’ families.