Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Blinken discuses hostage release deal with Thai FM; 8 Thais among the remaining captives
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts to secure a hostage deal, which would include the release of eight Thai nationals, with Bangkok’s new foreign minister in a phone call earlier today, the State Department says.
Blinken thanked Maris Sangiampongsa for Thailand’s support of a June 6 joint statement backing the ceasefire and hostage deal proposed by Israel and backed by the US in May.
“They agreed to continue to work together towards a comprehensive ceasefire deal that would allow the release of the hostages, including Thai nationals, and significantly increase the levels of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, the US readout says.
