Israel confirms the return of Thai hostage's body, leaving only 1 in Gaza

Israeli and Thai authorities announced Thursday that the remains delivered to Israel by Gaza militants have been identified as the last Thai hostage captured during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing conflict.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Israeli officials informed them that the remains returned on Wednesday belonged to Sudhisak Rinthalak, a Thai national who had worked on a kibbutz. Israel's National Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed the identification.

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Thai ministry, said Sudhisak's family had been notified. He added that Sudhisak was killed during the October 7 attack, and his body was taken into Gaza. Balankura expressed gratitude to the Israeli government for facilitating the release of all Thai hostages.

Since the start of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in early October, Israel has received 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others. The exchanges are central to maintaining the fragile truce, despite mutual accusations of violations between Hamas and Israel.

With the return of Rinthalaks remains, only one hostage remains in Gaza: Ran Gvili, an elite Israeli police officer. Gvili helped evacuate people from the Nova music festival on October 7 and was killed in combat at another location, with his body taken to Gaza. His death was confirmed by the military four months later. He is survived by his parents and sister.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office stated, "The Government and the Directorate for the Hostages and the Missing of the State of Israel remain fully committed to bringing Master Sgt. Ran Gvili home for a proper Jewish burial."

As part of the ceasefire arrangements, Israel has returned hundreds of Palestinian bodies to Gaza in exchange for hostages or their remains, although many of the Palestinian remains have yet to be formally identified.

Author: Olivia Parker