1 person still held by Hamas after identity of latest body is confirmed

Israeli officials confirmed that the remains returned on Wednesday belonged to Sudthisak Rinthalak, leaving Israeli police officer Ran Gvili as the sole remaining hostage in Gaza. Rinthalak, a Thai citizen, had been working in Israel to support his family back home when he was killed during the attacks on October 7, 2023.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Rinthalak's body was recovered from the orchards at Kibbutz Beeri, one of the areas most severely affected by the assault. His remains were subsequently taken into Gaza and held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the second-largest militant group in the region.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office stated that arrangements for the return of Rinthalaks remains to Thailand for a proper burial would be coordinated with the Thai Embassy in Israel. The statement expressed, The government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Rinthalak family, the Thai people, and the families of all fallen hostages. It added that the family and Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu wished to convey their gratitude to Israel for facilitating the return and supporting the family throughout the conflict.

Demonstrations have highlighted the long struggle to recover hostages, with people holding paper cutouts of Ran Gvili and Sudthisak Rinthalak during rallies demanding the return of all hostages from Gaza, more than two years after the deadly attacks of October 7, 2023.

The office of the Prime Minister and Israels Directorate for the Hostages and the Missing emphasized their commitment to recovering Ran Gvili for a proper Jewish burial. Rinthalak, who grew up in Rattanawapi, Nong Khai province, is remembered fondly by his family, who mentioned his favorite meal was a tomato omelet. He is survived by his parents and brother.

Before his death, Rinthalak had told his family he planned to return to Thailand after saving more money. His mother shared with local media, About 10 days before October 7 was the last time we spoke. We asked him to come home to Thailand for a visit. He wanted to save a bit more money and then return for good. Then October 7 happened and he was murdered. I wait for him every day.

Ran Gvili, now the only remaining hostage in Gaza, was also killed during the October 7 attacks, and his body remains in Gaza. His mother, Talik Gvili, wrote that the families of hostages became close-knit, supporting each other through the ordeal. She expressed fear that after so many returns, her son might be left behind, reflecting the ongoing anguish of families awaiting closure.

Author: Natalie Monroe