BANGKOK, Dec 4 (TNA) – Thailand hoped the remaining Thai hostages in Gaza would be released by Hamas soon as Thai people were apparantly not involved with the conflicts, according to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.
Mr Parnpree who is also Deputy Prime Minister admitted that the exact numbers of the remaining Thai hostages are not clear as Hamas indicated that there were nine Thais but some said that there are eight. However, he confirmed that 32 Thai hostages have been released so far with another 8 or 9 remaining.
He added that Israeli forces resumed operations in the Gaza Strip may affect the travel of Thais if additional hostages to be released in the future.
The Thai Foreign Ministry earlier said in a statement that Thailand was gravely concerned with the resumption of fighting in Gaza since December 1, following a seven-day truce, and was saddened to see the rise in numbers of casualties.
Thailand called on all parties to avoid further hostilities, and returned to the negotiations to extend the truce so that humanitarian assistance could reach those in need, further loss and bloodshed could be avoided, and a sustainable solution could be found.
The minister asserted that the Thai hostages were merely farm workers who were in Israel to make a living. They were not part of any conflicts, he added. (TNA)
