Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the operation to recover the body of Thai hostage Natepong Pinta, stating: "Following a special IDF and Shin Bet operation in the Rafah area, the body of Natepong Pinta, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, has been returned home." Minister Katz added: "Natepong came from Thailand to Israel to work in agriculture, hoping to build a better future for himself and his family, and was brutally murdered in captivity by the Al-Mujahideen Brigades terrorist organization. I send my deepest condolences to his wife, young son and family, and thank our heroic fighters who operate under fire time and again to return all hostages, driven by deep moral commitment."