Hamas threatens to kill hostage Matan Zangauker if IDF attempts rescue

[Beastly Boy]

Hamas claimed Saturday that Israeli forces had surrounded the location in Gaza where hostage Matan Zangauker is being held, warning that any attempt to rescue him would result in his death.

In a statement, the terrorist group declared: “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.”

The message was followed by the release of a new photo of Zangauker in captivity, accompanied by an explicit threat, reading, “He Will Not Return Alive.”

In response, the IDF denied it had carried out any attempt to rescue Zangauker. The Hamas statement came amid Palestinian reports of “intense fighting” around the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, involving heavy Israeli troop presence and artillery fire.

The IDF confirmed operations in the area, including underground activity, and said it was examining a body recovered from the site to determine if it belonged to Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar.

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bk6viefqxg

[riversedge]

1. Probably a month or so ago, I read that Matan was in VERY poor health and could barely walk.