Tanzanian agricultural intern, Clemence Felix Mtenga, declared dead following Hamas attack in Israel

The Tanzanian government officially announced the demise of 22-year-old Clemence Felix Mtenga, an agricultural intern who was reportedly abducted during the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. Mtenga was part of a group of 260 Tanzanians studying agriculture in Israel as part of a bilateral agreement between the two nations.

While the details surrounding Mtenga’s death remain undisclosed by both governments, the fate of another Tanzanian student, Joshua Mollel, believed to be taken by Hamas, remains unknown.

Notably, a concerning number of foreign nationals are presumed to be among the hostages held by Hamas. Thailand reports suggest that 23 Thais, primarily agricultural workers, might have been abducted, with an additional 32 reported as killed or missing.

This week, the Israeli government confirmed the deaths of two hostages: 19-year-old Israeli soldier Noa Marciano and 65-year-old Yehudit Weiss. Their bodies were discovered in buildings near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, which the Israel Defense Forces claim Hamas has used as a command center. In response, the Israeli military initiated a ground operation at the hospital.

Tanzania’s foreign ministry is actively engaged in communication with the Israeli government to facilitate the repatriation of Mtenga’s remains for a dignified burial.