One Thai worker remains a captive of Hamas in Gaza as negotiations between the Palestinian militant group and Israel continue.
The horrific suffering of five Thai farm workers held by Palestinian Hamas militants ended with an emotional exchange on Thursday, alongside three released Israeli hostages, after intense diplomatic efforts that at times frayed relations between Bangkok and Jerusalem.
Kumphawapi, THAILAND: The families of Thai farm workers held for over a year in Gaza cheered and wept with relief on Thursday (Jan 30) as they were freed in a hostage-prisoner
Turkish intelligence (MIT) negotiated with Palestinian Hamas for the release of five hostages from Thailand, who returned to Israel on Thursday, Turkish media reported, citing sources in security services.
The father of a Thai farmhand who was held hostage in Gaza for 15 months could barely get the words out at hearing the news of his son’s release.
Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao, Surasak Lamnau were working in Israeli communities near the border when Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, 2023
Three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals held by Hamas in Gaza since the 7 October 2023 have been released. Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was reunited with her family at a military base in southern Israel after being handed over by armed Palestinian fighters to the Red Cross in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Thursday.
Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.
As Hamas released five Thai hostages on Thursday, it is important to note what so many Thai workers were doing in Israel. Israel welcomed migrant workers following the 1987-93 Palestinian revolt known as the first Intifada,
In the ceasefire’s first phase, Israel and Hamas have agreed that 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas confirmed for the first time on Thursday that Israeli killed the head of its military wing, Mohammed Deif, in an airstrike last year. Deif was one of the alleged