Thai and Israeli Hostages Freed Amid Ceasefire

Five Thai workers, held captive by Hamas for over a year, have been released and returned to Bangkok, where they were emotionally reunited with their families. This release was part of a ceasefire agreement, marking the second group of Thai nationals freed since the conflict began in October 2023. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa and the Israeli Ambassador to Thailand welcomed the hostages, expressing gratitude and commitment to continuing efforts for the release of remaining captives. In a parallel event, three Israeli hostages, including Eli Sharabi, were also released after 491 days of captivity. Sharabi, unaware of his family’s fate during his captivity, learned upon his release that his wife and daughters had been killed in the initial October attack. These releases highlight the ongoing humanitarian efforts amid the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.