Hamas released a distressing video today (Friday) showing Matan Angrest, an Israeli soldier kidnapped during the October 7 attack. The video, which Matan’s family confirmed was made with their approval, shows the soldier in visibly poor health. His family described him as "discharged and despondent," with signs of physical abuse, including a non-functioning right hand, facial asymmetry, and a broken nose. The family believes these injuries are the result of interrogations and torture.
In the video, Matan is heard speaking directly to U.S. President Donald Trump, pleading for his assistance in securing the release of all kidnapped individuals. "I beg you, return all the kidnapped, you are the only one who has the power to influence Netanyahu," he says. Matan, who has been held captive for over 510 days, expresses despair over the ongoing negotiations, saying, "The kidnapped are starting to lose hope."
Family's Outcry for Immediate Action
Matan’s mother, Anat Angrest, responded emotionally to the video, calling it "more than a sign of life—it’s a cry to the government." She criticized the staged approach to the release of hostages, questioning why her son, despite his injuries, was not being treated as a humanitarian case. She pointed out the contrast in the government's handling of soldiers like her son versus citizens, saying, "Mothers of citizens were able to hug their children, while I, who sent my child to defend the country, was not able to do that."
Anat Angrest also criticized the government’s reluctance to secure a comprehensive deal for all the hostages. "It’s crazy that we’re not ready to accept everyone at once," she said, dividing the hostage release into phases.
Matan Angrest’s Plea to IDF and Government
In the video, Matan also addresses the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and military leaders, urging them to do everything in their power to bring him and his fellow captives home. He stressed that military force would not suffice to free them, calling for the implementation of Phase II of the hostage release negotiations and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Matan also expressed a deep longing to return home, saying, "I am just waiting for a second to hug you." In his message to his family, he added, "I am sure that you are fighting for me and doing everything so that I can return home." The soldier also appealed to the broader public to take action, urging people to "fight for us" and not give up on their return.
A Desperate Call for Action
The family’s call for Matan and the other hostages to return is increasingly urgent. They have repeatedly called on the Israeli government to secure a swift and comprehensive deal for all captives, including those who have been injured. The distressing images and Matan’s condition have only heightened their sense of urgency.
Matan Angrest, who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz outpost, is the son of Anat and Hagai Angrest and the older brother of Ofir, Roy, and Adi. His family has consistently advocated for his release, stressing that his situation is dire and that the Israeli government must act quickly to bring all hostages home.
This release comes after the Angrest family previously shared details of Matan’s severe condition, noting that he had been badly wounded and subjected to harsh conditions in captivity, including torture and starvation. Despite these revelations, Matan was not included on Israel’s humanitarian list for priority release, a fact Anat Angrest has strongly criticized, stating, "We knew the men were being held in the most difficult conditions, tortured and starved."
Ongoing Struggles for Hostage Families
The release of the video further underscores the precarious situation faced by Israel’s hostages, many of whom have been held for over a year. As pressure mounts on both the Israeli government and international actors like the U.S. to prioritize the return of the hostages, the families are demanding more than just promises—they want action.
Matan’s mother, Anat, concluded, "The time has come for the state to fight for him and return him to us immediately, along with all the hostages, in one fell swoop. What more evidence do we need to understand that time is running out?"
As the video and its message reverberate across the globe, the question remains: Will Israel’s leaders heed the desperate pleas of the families and take swift, decisive action to bring the hostages home?
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