Israeli military forces on Friday said they had retrieved the body of Nattapong Pinta from southern Gaza. 35-year-old Pinta, a Thai migrant worker, was captured in the deadly unrest on October 7. On that one day, Hamas militants attempted to liberate a total of 251 hostages. His recovery comes just days after the rescue of two other Israeli-American hostages earlier this week.
Waking up early, he dedicated his days in the agriculture industry on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Sadly, he was removed from there in the first eviction offense. Reports suggest he was murdered within the first few months of his captivity. An Israeli military source has now confirmed those details. His family, who relied on his income remitted to their home country, have been shattered by his death.
Jointly confirming Pinta’s body recovery, the Israeli military and the Shin Bet internal security service described it as a “targeted killing.” This operation is part of a larger current military operation to recover hostages currently being held in Gaza. As it now stands, 55 hostages are being held in Gaza. Of those 20, it’s thought that only about 3 are still alive.
Pinta’s abduction also serves as a reminder of the tragic and dangerous realities that migrant workers from poor countries often face. He immigrated to Israel from a developing agrarian economy in Asia. He was motivated to start a new life in pursuit of greater economic opportunities to provide for his family. In an iconic photograph, Pinta is seen at his home beside his wife and young son. It shows the profound love and hope he aspired to see in his family.
In the immediate aftermath of this recovery, Israeli officials doubled down on their plan to bring home all of their hostages.
“We will not rest until all the hostages, living and deceased, are returned home.” – Defense Minister Israel Katz
The recovery of Pinta’s body underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, as families continue to suffer from loss and uncertainty. The Israeli military is completely committed to the security and return of the hostages. Simultaneously, they’re doing the work to tackle the wider impact of the war.
