Five Thai Farmers Taken Hostage From Israel Have Been Released By Hamas As Part Of The Ceasefire
The Thai nationals are expected to return to Thailand within 10 days.
Hamas released eight more hostages, including five Thai farmers and three Israeli citizens, on Thursday Jan. 30, as part of its ceasefire deal with Israel.
31 Thai nationals, who came from poorer regions in Thailand to work in Israel to earn higher wages, were captured after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, according to Thai officials.
In December 2023, Hamas released a total of 23 Thai hostages during the seven-day humanitarian pause.
During the third round of exchanges, a total of five Thai farmers were released, which included Thenna Pongsak, 36; Sathian Suwannakham, 35; Sriaoun Watchara, 33; Seathao Bannawat, 27; and Rumnao Surasak, 32.
The Thai nationals were handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and were taken to a hospital in Israel after meeting Thai authorities, according to the BBC.
“Everyone here in Thailand, have long been waiting for this very moment,” Thai’s prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on Facebook and said she has instructed authorities to facilitate the return of the hostages to Thailand.
Israeli doctors have said the five farmers, whose release is part of a separate deal between Hamas and the Thai government, are all in fair health.
They are expected to return to Thailand within 10 days, according to the BBC.
Israel is expected to release 30 Palestinians for every civilian hostage Hamas releases and 50 Palestinians for every Israeli woman soldier Hamas releases.
The fourth round of hostage exchanges is expected on Saturday, Feb. 3.
More On The Gaza Ceasefire
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
