The Israeli government announced today, Wednesday, that more than half of the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas possess foreign passports from 25 different countries, including 54 Thai nationals. In an update on the numbers, the government also stated that 328 people from 40 countries have been confirmed killed or missing following the surprise attack launched by Hamas fighters in southern Israel. The total number of deaths in the attack is approximately 1,400.
Israel indicated that 138 of the hostages hold foreign passports, including 15 from Argentina, 12 from Germany, 12 Americans, six French, and six Russians. Many of them are believed to hold dual Israeli nationality, but it is highly likely that some, such as the Thais and five Nepalese hostages, do not hold Israeli citizenship. There is also one Chinese hostage, one Sri Lankan, two Tanzanians, and two Filipinos.
Thai nationals represent the largest group of foreign casualties and missing persons, with 24 confirmed dead and 21 others missing. Thailand is one of the largest sources of migrant workers in Israel, with around 30,000 people employed in the agricultural sector, according to government data.
Other foreign countries that suffered heavy losses include the United States with 34 dead and five missing, Ukraine with 25 dead and two missing, France with 23 dead and one missing, and Russia with 23 dead and four missing. Five Chinese citizens have died, with one other missing, while five from Nepal were killed and an additional five are missing.
