NAZARETH, (The Palestine Foundation Pakistan)
Freed Israeli captive Matan Tzangauker revealed new details about his time in detention under Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas. He said he was allowed to move among the tents of displaced civilians under the watch of his captors, while Israeli occupation forces were only a few meters away yet unable to reach him.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 13, Tzangauker said that Al-Qassam fighters treated him with humanity and provided him with food regularly throughout his captivity. “No one harmed me,” he said. “They watched me closely, but they made sure I had food, water, and decent treatment.”
He explained that his release came largely due to his mother’s persistent campaign and public protests pressing the Israeli government to secure the captives’ return. “Her determination and public stance were key in pushing the issue forward and making the exchange deal happen,” he said.
Tzangauker expressed disappointment with how the Israeli government has treated freed captives since their release. “It pains me deeply,” he said, “that those who once stood with us now expect us to fend for ourselves, while the government ignores its responsibility toward us.”
Tzangauker was among 20 Israeli captives released by Hamas during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 11.
US president Donald Trump had announced on October 9 that a preliminary agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas following indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh with the participation of Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye under US mediation.
Under the deal, Hamas released 20 Israeli captives alive on October 13, along with the remains of 28 others, of which Israeli authorities have so far received 24. The second phase of the agreement is expected to establish a community support committee to oversee humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects in Gaza.
