Thai hostage in Gaza's remains have been brought back

BANGKOK Thai authorities confirmed on Thursday that the remains delivered to Israel by Gaza militants have been identified as the final Thai hostage taken during the October 7, 2023, assault that triggered the ongoing conflict.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Israeli officials notified them the returned remains belonged to Sudhisak Rinthalak, an agricultural worker and Thai citizen. Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated that Sudhisaks family has been informed of his death. He noted that Sudhisak was killed on the day of the attack and his body was subsequently taken into Gaza.

Balankura expressed gratitude to the Israeli government for their support, which enabled the return of all Thai hostages. Since a U.S.-mediated ceasefire commenced in early October, Israel has received 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others. These returns are part of the ceasefire conditions, which both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating. With only one hostage still held, both sides are nearing the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire.

During this period, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian bodies to Gaza, most of which have not yet been identified, in exchange for hostages or their remains.

Author: Ava Mitchell