Israel confirmed on Saturday that it has recovered the body of a Thai hostage, Nattapong Pinta, who was taken during the Hamas-led attack that ignited the current conflict. This recovery comes as Israel’s military continues its offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 95 people in just 24 hours, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Nattapong Pinta had traveled to Israel to work in agriculture and was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz early in the war, which began on October 7, 2023. Israel’s defense minister stated that his body was found in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. The Mujahideen Brigades, a small armed group, was responsible for his abduction and also for taking two Israeli-American hostages, whose bodies were retrieved earlier this week.
Thailand’s foreign ministry reported that the bodies of two other Thai citizens remain unrecovered. The Thai nationals are the largest group of foreign hostages, many of whom lived near the southern Israeli kibbutzim that were among the first to be attacked. So far, 46 Thais have been confirmed dead during the ongoing conflict.
In a related development, Israeli forces announced the killing of As’ad Aby Sharaiya, the leader of the Mujahideen Brigades, in Gaza City on the same day. Currently, 55 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, with Israeli officials stating that more than half are presumed dead. Families of the hostages have been actively calling for a ceasefire to secure their loved ones’ return.
Hamas issued a warning regarding another hostage, Matan Zangauker, stating that any harm to him during Israeli military operations would be Israel’s responsibility. His mother, Einav, expressed her anguish at a rally in Tel Aviv, highlighting the risks involved in military operations aimed at rescuing hostages.
The conflict has also seen significant civilian casualties. A recent airstrike in Gaza City killed six members of a family, including two children. Reports indicate that these individuals were targeted while attempting to gather food aid, as much of Gaza’s population struggles with food shortages due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
Israel claims that its military actions are in response to Hamas’ attacks and that it takes precautions to minimize civilian harm. However, strikes have hit densely populated areas, leading to numerous civilian deaths. Witnesses reported that many of those killed were trying to access food aid, which has become increasingly scarce.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with over 90% of the population displaced and reliant on aid. The United Nations has faced challenges in delivering assistance due to military restrictions and ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to seek food and shelter amid the chaos, with many lining up for handouts at soup kitchens.
The conflict, which began with a brutal attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, has escalated dramatically. Israeli military operations have resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with the majority being women and children. The situation remains critical as the war continues, with both sides facing immense human and humanitarian costs.