Thailand prime minister says 12 Thai hostages released from Gaza

Thailand’s prime minister said 12 Thai hostages have been released from Gaza and are safely in Israel’s custody in what appears to be the first exchange of prisoners since a four-day truce began Friday.

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Friday morning in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he confirmed with his Ministry of Foreign Affairs the release of the 12 hostages and that embassy officials were en route to pick them up.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said there are still more Thai hostages being held by Hamas.

“I sincerely hope there will be more hostages released soon including the innocent Thais waiting to return home,” the foreign minister wrote on X.

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to the temporary pause in fighting to facilitate the release of hostages and humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The hostages include people with nationalities from around the world, including U.S. citizens.

Hamas is set to release 50 hostages over the next four days and Israel in exchange will free 150 Palestinians from prison.

The truce officially began Friday, and Israeli authorities have said preparations are in order to quickly transfer hostages to hospitals and to treat them on-site if needed.

Fuel trucks also began entering Gaza to help the coastal enclave keep the power on at hospitals and other critical sites.

The hostages are expected to be released over the period of the truce, and once the four days are up, fighting is expected to resume.

The New Arab, a London-based Arab news outlet, reported that 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for the Thai prisoners.