On the first day of Israel-Hamas truce, a total of 24 hostages held captive by Hamas were released from Gaza on Friday.
The first batch of hostages freed by the militant group included thirteen Israelis, ten Thai nationals, and one Filipino, reported news agency AP.
Earlier in the day, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the release of twelve Thai hostages kidnapped by Palestinian militants during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.
The numbers given by him were two more than the figure released by the Qatar officials.
‘It has been confirmed by the security side and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai hostages are already released,’ he posted on X.
‘Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen,’ said Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Qatar.
In response to the release of hostages by Hamas, 39 women and children detained in Israeli jails had also been freed, confirmed Majed Al Ansari in his post on X.
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The first group of Israeli hostages were released by Hamas were handed over to the International Committee for Red Cross, reported The Times of Israel.
The hostages are expected to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
Thirty-nine Palestinian prisoners are also to be released by Israel. Initially, the Hamas militants had planned to release 13 Israeli captives, women and children.
However, they eventually freed 24 people, including 10 Thai nationals.
The releases being made under the four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that began on Friday.
