Thai Man Describes Return from Gaza as a "Miracle"

Vithon Phum, 33, who had been living in Israel for five years and working in agriculture, is one of 10 Thai hostages released by Hamas during the first ceasefire announced in the ongoing war that has lasted seven weeks. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the released Thais will return home after staying in the hospital for 48 hours. Among them, four individuals were not previously confirmed by Israel to be among the hostages held by Hamas. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said, "I am very happy to hear the confirmation of the release of 10 Thai workers receiving treatment at Shamir Medical Center in Israel as part of the coordinated effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that "the release of these ten is not related to the ceasefire agreement with Israel and follows a separate pathway of talks with Hamas mediated by Egypt and Qatar."