The family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Matan Angrest on Monday released disturbing new footage showing his violent abduction during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, alongside revelations about his deteriorating medical condition based on testimonies from released hostages.
The video captures the unconscious 23-year-old being pulled from his burning tank near the Nahal Oz military post and thrown headfirst into a mob of Gaza terrorists who continued beating him. Audio recordings from inside the tank reveal Angrest’s final moments of communication, shouting “What is that? Terrorist! Stop! Behind him! Peretz! Is anyone hurt? Peretz!”
“For 611 days, I avoided watching the full video showing the beginning of the lynching of my beloved son, Matan,” his mother Anat Angrest stated upon release of the disturbing clip. “Dozens of terrorists against one soldier. Last night, I forced myself to watch it. We have no choice. Matan’s life is in danger.”
The family’s decision to release the footage stems from growing frustration with what they describe as official indifference to Matan’s condition.
“While the Prime Minister didn’t even know that Matan was injured, we discovered that he is suffering from open burns, inflammations, infections, and fever,” Anat said. “We received clear evidence of torture, including electric shocks. Therefore, we had no choice but to show what really happened.”
According to testimonies compiled by the family, Angrest suffers from chronic asthma that worsens after violent interrogations conducted by his captors. Former hostages report he has been subjected to electric shocks using car batteries until he loses consciousness. His hands are severely burned and infected without proper medical treatment, swollen to the point where he cannot move some fingers. Medical experts consulted by the family have concluded his condition is life-threatening due to high fevers and lack of treatment.
Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli intelligence suggesting about 20-24 are still alive. Angrest was captured alongside fellow soldiers Itay Chen and Daniel Peretz, both killed in the assault with their bodies held in Gaza, and Tomer Leibovich, who also died during the attack.
“We demand that the Israeli government implement all stages of the hostage deal before moving on to the next phase of the war,” Anat said. “Matan is in mortal danger. All the hostages must be brought home before more soldiers are sent to battle and don’t return.”
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