Israeli security forces stand next to ambulances on stand by outside the helipad of Tel Aviv’s Schneider medical centre on November 24, amid preparations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners later in the day.//AFP
Twelve Thai nationals who were held hostage by Hamas have been freed, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday night.
The Thai Foreign Ministry has confirmed the news, and Thai diplomats will be picking them up, Srettha said in his X. The names of the freed individuals will be disclosed in the near future, he said.
Twenty-five Thai nationals working in Israel were held hostage by Hamas following the October 7 attack.
Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Ministry stated in its statement that its Embassy in Tel Aviv was alerted about the release. The 12 Thais had already entered Israel through Rafah, and at the time of the press, they were en route to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) to receive medical care.
They will remain there for 48 hours. The ministry mentioned that its diplomats will visit them at the Shamir Medical Center and the names of the individuals will be revealed later.
The ministry welcomed this positive news and extended gratitude to the Egyptian government, ICRC, and all parties involved in the negotiation. It hopes that the remaining Thais held hostage will be freed soon.
