Hamas Releases 10 Thai Hostages, 20 Still Held

Thailand confirmed on Saturday that 20 of its citizens are still being held by Hamas, despite the release of 10 Thai nationals in a deal brokered by Qatar between Hamas and Israel. Iran played a significant role in securing the release of the Thai and Philippine nationals. The Thailand Embassy in Tel Aviv asserted its commitment to utilizing all possible backchannels to secure the release of its remaining citizens.

The release of hostages was part of a broader deal that included a four-day ceasefire, allowing the movement of aid trucks into Gaza through the Rafah crossing. While reports indicate a cessation of gunshots in Gaza since Friday morning, Israel alleges the interception of missiles fired by Hezbollah from the West Bank on Saturday morning.