From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Footage shows Thai hostages returning to Israel
Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
Video published by Israeli authorities shows the arrival of five Thai hostages who were freed from captivity in Gaza earlier today.
Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnau are greeted at an IDF facility just outside Gaza by Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya and other embassy officials.
They are seen being brought via helicopter to Shamir Medical Center near Rishon Lezion, where they are greeted by staffers waving Thai flags.
The five released captives, who were working as agricultural laborers in Israel when they were kidnapped on October 7, are expected to be treated for at least a week before flying home to reunite with their families.
