Israel says it has retrieved the physique of a Thai hostage kidnapped and brought into Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, because it continues its army offensive throughout the strip, killing a minimum of 22 individuals in a single day, in keeping with well being officers.
The prime minister’s workplace mentioned Saturday that the physique of Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta was returned to Israel in a particular army operation. Pinta had come to Israel to work in agriculture. He had a spouse and son.
Pinta was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity close to the beginning of the warfare, mentioned the federal government. His physique was retrieved from the Rafah space, Israel’s protection minister mentioned.
Israel mentioned it discovered Pinta’s physique based mostly on data obtained from the hostage activity pressure and army intelligence. The military mentioned he was taken into Gaza by the Mujahideen Brigades, the small armed group that it mentioned had additionally kidnapped and killed Shiri Bibas and her two babies.
This undated photograph supplied by the Hostage’s Household Discussion board reveals Nattapong Pinta, along with his spouse and son.
Hostage’s Household Discussion board by way of AP
A press release from the hostage discussion board, which helps the hostages, mentioned it stands with Pinta’s household and shares of their grief. It known as on the nation’s resolution makers to convey dwelling the remaining hostages and provides those that have died a correct burial.
Thais have been the most important group of foreigners held captive by Hamas militants. Lots of the Thai agricultural employees lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and cities, and Hamas militants overran these locations first. A complete of 46 Thais have been killed in the course of the battle, in keeping with Thailand’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs.
Earlier than Pinta’s physique was retrieved, three Thai hostages remained in captivity and two have been confirmed lifeless. The destiny of Pinta was unsure till at this time, in keeping with the hostage discussion board.
Fifty-five hostages stay in Gaza, of whom Israel says greater than half are lifeless.
The retrieval of Pinta’s physique comes as Israel continues its army marketing campaign throughout Gaza. Hospital officers mentioned they obtained the our bodies of practically two dozen individuals Saturday.
4 strikes hit the Muwasi space in southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, one strike hit an residence, killing seven individuals, together with a mom and 5 kids. Their our bodies have been taken to Shifa hospital.
Israel mentioned Saturday that it’s responding to Hamas’ “barbaric attacks” and is dismantling its capabilities. It mentioned it follows worldwide regulation and takes all possible precautions to mitigate civilian hurt.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 individuals, largely civilians, within the Oct. 7 assault and kidnapped 251 hostages. They’re nonetheless holding 55 hostages, round a 3rd of them believed to be alive, after many of the relaxation have been launched in ceasefire agreements or different offers. Israeli forces have rescued eight residing hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of our bodies.
Israel’s army marketing campaign has killed greater than 54,000 Palestinians, largely ladies and youngsters, in keeping with the Gaza Well being Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants. The offensive has destroyed giant components of Gaza and displaced round 90% of its inhabitants of roughly 2 million Palestinians.
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