Thai hostage's body repatriated from Gaza to Israel

The Israeli government confirmed Thursday that the remains of a Thai agricultural worker, held hostage in Gaza for nearly 800 days, have been returned to Israel. Authorities informed the family of 42-year-old Sudthisak Rinthalak about the recovery of his body.

Rinthalak, who had been working in Israel's agricultural sector since 2017, was killed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. He died in the siege at Kibbutz Be'eri, and his body had been taken into Gaza by the militants. Israeli forces reported that he was taken from the kibbutzs orchards.

On Wednesday, Israeli officials received a coffin from the Red Cross containing remains located in northern Gaza. The remains underwent identification procedures to confirm they belonged to Rinthalak. The Israeli military had previously confirmed on May 16, 2024, that he had been killed.

The family of Rinthalak has been informed that arrangements for his repatriation to Thailand will be coordinated with the Thai Embassy in Israel. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, stating, The government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Rinthalak family, the Thai people, and all families of fallen hostages.

The Thai Embassy also released a statement confirming the governments commitment to work with Israel for a respectful return of Rinthalaks remains to Thailand as soon as possible.

With Rinthalaks body now back in Israel, only one of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas remains in Gaza. Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, 24, was abducted on October 7, 2023, from Alumim. Israel has emphasized that it remains determined, committed and working tirelessly to secure Gvilis return.

The Prime Ministers office stated that Hamas must comply with mediator agreements to return the remaining hostages, and Israel will leave no effort spared to bring Gvili home.

Author: Noah Whitman