Iran Helps Broker Release of Thai Nationals Held by Palestinian Militants in Gaza
Iran announced on Saturday that it played a crucial role in facilitating the unexpected release of Thai nationals who had been held captive by Palestinian militants in war-torn Gaza since their attack on Israel last month. The release of the 10 Thais and a Filipino, along with the 13 Israeli women and children, came as part of a temporary truce deal between Hamas and Israel. In return, Israel freed 39 Palestinian women and children from its prisons.
Joint Efforts by Iran and Qatar
According to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, the issue of the Thai prisoners was jointly pursued by Iran and Qatar. The Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar worked together to secure the release of the hostages. Kanani stated that a list of the prisoners’ names was provided to Hamas officials for review and assistance from a humanitarian perspective.
Truce Brings Relief to Gaza
The releases took place during a temporary truce that halted the fighting in Gaza for the first time since October 7. The conflict began when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 240 individuals. In response, Israel launched a bombing campaign on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 15,000 people, predominantly women and children.
Thai Foreign Ministry Confirms Release
The Thai foreign ministry confirmed the release of the 10 individuals, consisting of nine men and one woman. They were taken to Israel via Egypt. However, approximately 20 Thais are still being held hostage in Gaza out of an estimated 215 captives.
Truce Agreement
During the four-day truce, Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 Israeli hostages, including some dual nationals, in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. This agreement was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Kanani, welcomed the temporary truce as a positive step towards ending the war crimes committed by the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people.
Iran’s Support for Hamas
Iran has been a staunch supporter of Hamas both financially and militarily. While Tehran hailed the October 7 attacks as a success, it denied any direct involvement. Since the Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran has made support for the Palestinian cause a central pillar of its foreign policy.
Conclusion
The release of the Thai nationals held captive by Palestinian militants in Gaza is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. The joint efforts of Iran and Qatar played a crucial role in securing their freedom. The temporary truce has brought relief to the war-torn region, allowing for the exchange of hostages between the two sides. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen whether further diplomatic efforts can lead to a lasting peace in the region.