A new report aired by Channel 12 on Sunday revealed a deeply disturbing act of psychological cruelty by Hamas against Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker. His family learned that Hamas had falsely assured him that he would be freed alongside US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander and reunited with his loved ones.
The report noted that this information surfaced following Alexander’s release. The two had been held in the same location, and Zangauker was led to believe he would be joining Alexander in freedom.
On the day Edan was released, Hamas deceived Zangauker by claiming that his own release was imminent. He was even instructed to gather his personal items in preparation for the return home. Believing the end of his ordeal was near, Matan chose not to send a message to his mother with Edan, assuming he would be seeing her in person very shortly.
But the truth was far more cruel. Just as he was prepared to leave, the terrorists revealed their lie, telling him he would not be going home. Instead, only Edan was being released. The psychological toll of this betrayal reportedly had a devastating effect on Zangauker’s mental well-being.
On Saturday, Hamas released a photo showing Matan connected to an IV drip. The terror group claimed the image was taken in response to intensified IDF activity near the area where he is believed to be held, asserting that his life was in danger due to the military operations.
{Matzav.com Israel}