Interior Minister Moshe Arbel meets Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and tells him the five Thai hostages released from Gaza on Thursday will be granted permanent residency in Israel, according to a statement from Arbel’s office.
Arbel’s office adds that the meeting touched on broadening the cooperation between the two countries to more fields, adding that ministry officials are heading to Bangkok to discuss the matter.
On Thursday, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak were released by Palestinian terror group Hamas, which held on to the foreign nationals for 482 days before letting them go.
One more Thai citizen, Pinta Nattapong, is believed to be held alive in Gaza. Two others, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, have been declared dead by Israel, with their bodies held by Hamas.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 2, 2025
