Thirteen Israeli and four Thai nationals made up the batch that was released on the second day of the truce between Israel and the Islamist militant Hamas group. They were set to be reunited with their families as part of a crucial hostage deal, which briefly risked falling apart due to a dispute over aid supplies.
The short-lived row over aid that threatened the temporary truce to free captives was overcome with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt but it underscored the fragility of the agreement, through which a total of 50 Israeli hostages are to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners over four days.
Reuters
Israel receives list of third group of hostages to be released Sunday
Israel has received the list of hostages who are slated to be released Sunday, an official familiar with the matter tells The Times of Israel.
The Kan public broadcaster reports that Israel has started notifying the families whose loved ones are on the list handed over by Qatar, which has been mediating between Israel and Hamas.
It will be the third day of a four-day truce, which Qatar said earlier today it hopes will be extended further with the release of more abductees.
The Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has shared additional information, indicating that Israeli authorities have confirmed the detention of two more Thai workers by Hamas. Despite the release of 14 Thai hostages, it is expected that 18 Thai workers are still in captivity.
The Thai government is making every effort to assist and ensure the swift and safe release of the remaining Thai citizens.
As Thai workers are being released gradually, gaining the chance to communicate with their relatives in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has appealed to the media for cooperation in avoiding interviews with the relatives or the disclosure of information related to their time in detention. This is intended to maintain sensitivity to the situation and minimize potential impacts on the well-being of individuals still under control.