A newly released video of Matan Zangauker, who has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, showed the 25-year-old pleading with the Israeli public and leadership to bring him home, describing his severe physical and psychological deterioration.
“Every day I die a little more, another part of me dies,” Zangauker said in the video, published Sunday evening by his mother, Einav Zangauker. “You are letting us die... I hope you are doing everything possible to change the situation.”
Zangauker was kidnapped alongside his partner, Ilana Gritzewsky, from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led onslaught. While Gritzewsky was released in an earlier deal, Matan remains in captivity and has been subjected to physical abuse, psychological torture, and medical neglect.
In the video, orignally retretived by the IDF in the Gaza Strip, Matan appealed directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “I heard that you promised $5 million and safe passage out of Gaza to anyone who surrenders one of us. I am very disappointed.”
“This is your failure and the failure of your government since October 7. People of Israel, don’t abandon us, we are still alive. We want to return safely before we go insane. Isolation kills, and the darkness is frightening.”
Turning to his family, he said, “Mom, I watch you, I hear a lot about you. I understand the things you are doing. I hear about the actions you are taking. I am very glad to hear you are okay. I hope to see you again, to meet you soon. I hope to sit with you again at the table, to eat with you, talk with you, drink with you.”
The emotional recording ended with a call to protest outside the Prime Minister’s Residence: “Don’t let him sleep, not even for a minute. We are suffering. It is only right that he and his family suffer like us. I hope that soon we will be reunited. I don’t know why this has taken so long. Why is there no deal? Why are we still here? Don’t forget us, don’t forget us.”
Matan's health condition is deteriorating in Hamas captivity
Matan suffers from muscular dystrophy, and his family has received credible information that his condition has dramatically worsened. He has lost significant weight, struggles to stand, and reportedly suffers from tremors, intestinal blockages, and severe abdominal pain. He is said to avoid food and speech, isolating himself for long stretches inside a tunnel.
His living conditions have been described as inhumane. According to information received by the family, he was shackled hand and foot, kept in a cage, bitten by fleas and rats, and fed moldy bread and rice with salty, unclean water. Though food availability has improved slightly in recent months, Matan is said to have avoided eating due to his deteriorating state.
Hamas released a previous video of Matan in December, where he stated: “I have been in Hamas captivity for over 420 days.” He added that he no longer believes the government understands the enemy’s intentions and accused the leadership of abandoning the hostages.
A new segment of footage shared Sunday featured Matan addressing his family and friends: “Tatu, Shani, Ilana—I miss you. God willing, we’ll meet soon. All my acquaintances, all my friends, go out and make noise like only you know how.”
His mother, Einav, has become one of the leading voices in the public campaign to bring the hostages home, known for her uncompromising and direct approach. Nearly a year ago, she shared the final messages Matan had sent before being taken into Gaza. In one, he asked his uncle to “Help Mom with Shani and Tatu, that’s the only thing I ask.” In another message to his mother, he wrote: “There’s someone here. I love you. Don’t cry.”
Footage from October 7 shows Matan being taken on a motorcycle through a cheering crowd near Khan Younis.
According to reports, Matan was at times held with other hostages, including Avera Mengistu. He was allegedly subjected to interrogations, psychological terror, and prolonged isolation.
Despite the suffering, Einav continues to lead demonstrations and speak out at public events. “We cannot allow this to go on,” she said recently. “We must bring them all home.”