Breaking: New photo of Hostage Matan Angrest released after six months

This marks a significant moment in the ongoing ordeal, as it provides the first visual proof of Matan’s condition since his abduction.

The image was released six months after Hamas first revealed Matan's existence in a chilling video. In that recording, Matan can be seen appealing to Prime Minister Netanyahu for his release, highlighting the dire circumstances of his captivity. Following the release of the video, Matan’s mother, Anat, made a heartfelt plea to the Prime Minister, urging him to act. "My son Matan is now appealing to you from the depths of the earth, from the hell he has been in for almost a year," Anat said. "I ask that you listen to him and hear him, that you look at the many unequivocal facts and make the right decision."

Matan was taken hostage on October 7, while serving in a tank near the Nahal Oz base during a battle. His fellow soldiers tragically fell during the same encounter. Since then, his family has endured an agonizing wait for signs of life, including the revelation of a new video last month during the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which included another sign of life from Matan.

Matan’s parents, Anat and Hagi, have shared the painful details of his situation. Matan was severely burned during the kidnapping and held under harsh conditions. "We heard that he was being held there in difficult conditions because he is a soldier," Anat said. The Angrest family has been desperate for his return, as Hagi said, “It is time to return him as soon as possible along with everyone else. Return our Matan to us along with the other hostages immediately."

The Angrest family’s agony continues as they await the safe return of Matan, alongside the many others still in captivity.