The terrorists called to the workers from Thailand in their native tongue to lure them out of hiding, only to kill them or take them hostage

Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its 2023 attack on Israel were released Thursday, while one remaining Thai citizen remains in captivity.

Israel’s military confirmed that three Israeli hostages – Gadi Moses, 80, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20 – had been handed over along with Thai citizens Pongsak Thaenna, 36, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Bannawat Seathao, 27, and Surasak Rumnao, 32. One Thai hostage was still unaccounted for.

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.

A freed ex-militant received a hero’s welcome in the occupied West Bank on Thursday night after chaos during a Gaza hostage release briefly delayed the third ­Israel-Hamas exchange under a ceasefire deal.

Israel had delayed their release in protest against the way the seven hostages freed by Hamas were treated as they were handed over to Red Cross staff in Khan Younis. View on euronews

Five Thai farm workers who were abducted during the 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel have been released after being held for almost 500 days in Gaza. They were handed over to the Red Cross during chaotic scenes along with two Israelis, shortly after a first Israeli hostage was freed.

Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during the assault on southern Israel, making them the largest group of foreigners held captive.

Steve Witkoff, the U.S.’s new Middle East envoy, has joined Israelis in Tel Aviv who have gathered to watch the hostage releases in what has become known as “Hostage Square,” according to images broadcast on Israeli television.

The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.

Thailand and Israel have expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.