Ten Thais released by Hamas, ‘twenty’ still captured in Gaza

Ten Thais released by Hamas, ‘twenty’ still captured in Gaza

Twenty Thai hostages are still being held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Thai Foreign Ministry estimated on Saturday. Hamas kidnapped many Thai workers in addition to Israelis during their attack on October 7. The first ten hostage Thai workers were released on Friday, although the Thai Foreign Minister had written to X that this would involve twelve of his fellow countrymen. Four of the ten Thai hostages were not known to have been kidnapped. A kidnapped Filipino was also released.

According to Reuters news agency, the release of the Thai workers is not part of the ceasefire between Hamas in Israel that came into effect on Friday, which also includes prisoner exchanges. It is unclear how the release of the Thais came about. Qatar and Egypt, among others, are said to have facilitated the release. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks these countries and Iran, Malaysia and the Red Cross for the “immense efforts that led to the release.”