The Israeli military has retrieved the body of a Thai citizen, Natthapong Pinta, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and subsequently killed by the Kataeb al-Mujahideen terror group shortly after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) brought Pinta’s body back to Israel following an operation, the military announced on Saturday.

“Yesterday (Friday), in a joint operation by the IDF and ISA, the body of Thai national Nattapong Pinta was recovered from the Rafah area within the Gaza Strip,” the IDF and ISA stated jointly.

His family in Thailand has been informed by both the IDF and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons in the Israeli prime minister’s office.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Natthapong had come to Israel to work in agriculture.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, young son, and family, and I express my gratitude to our heroic soldiers who consistently operate under fire to recover all hostages, driven by a strong moral imperative,” Katz said.

“We will continue our efforts until all hostages – both living and deceased – are returned to Israel,” he added.

According to a news release from The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, “The recovery of Nattapong Pinta embodies a fundamental moral and human duty, providing his family with the closure they so desperately need.”

The Hostage Families Forum stated, “We stand in solidarity with Nattapong’s family today and share in their sorrow.”

“While the pain is overwhelming, his family will now have certainty after enduring 20 months of agonizing uncertainty,” the statement continued. “Every family deserves this certainty to begin their personal healing process.”

Currently, 55 hostages remain in Gaza, with 33 confirmed dead, but at least 20 still alive. There are serious concerns regarding the well-being of two hostages.

‘ Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.

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