Five Thai hostages released after year-long ordeal in Gaza
Five Thai hostages have been released after being held captive by Hamas in the volatile Gaza Strip for over a year. The news broke yesterday, January 30, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs triumphantly announced the hostages’ release, a moment filled with relief for their families and an entire nation.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed the liberation of the five individuals. They are now en route to a secure location, where they will receive much-needed medical treatment and support.
Officials from the Royal Thai Embassy, alongside teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are mobilising to provide immediate assistance and to ensure the families of the hostages receive the news they’ve been praying for.
“Our heartfelt congratulations go to the families of these five Thai brothers and sisters.”
The Foreign Ministry added they felt immense gratitude to all those who played crucial roles in the successful negotiation and release operation.
A host of international allies, including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, as well as the International Red Cross, have been applauded for their instrumental involvement. The Foreign Ministry also extends its thanks to Israel for aiding and facilitating the safe return of these Thai nationals.
As celebrations ripple across Thailand, thoughts remain with the one remaining Thai hostage still held captive. The Foreign Ministry’s statement underscores the hope for their swift release, along with all other hostages, so they too can be reunited with their loved ones in safety and peace.
In the past 15 months, a harrowing 46,707 people have been killed in Gaza, including around 18,000 children, Aljazeera reported. This staggering death toll means that one in every 50 people in the region has lost their life. Analysts and human rights organisations widely believe the true number of fatalities may be even higher.
The Israeli offensive was launched on October 7 2023, following attacks on southern Israel orchestrated by the Palestinian group Hamas.
Despite widespread international condemnation and urgent appeals from global organisations and human rights groups, Israel has persisted with its campaign of collective punishment against the besieged enclave, where half the population is under 18. As a result, numerous generations of families have been eradicated from the civil registry.
The conflict has left at least 110,265 people wounded in Gaza, equating to one in 20 of the population. According to the World Health Organization, nearly a quarter of these injuries, approximately 22,500 people, are life-altering and demand rehabilitation, which is sadly not being provided. The most common injuries requiring rehabilitation are severe limb injuries.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports a distressing statistic: every day, 10 children lose one or both legs, with surgeries and amputations carried out under dire conditions, often lacking anaesthesia due to Israel’s blockade.
Latest Thailand News
