Five Thai farmers were released by Hamas on Thursday, meaning nearly all of the 31 Thai hostages seized during the October 7 attack on Israel have been freed. How did so many Thai nationals end up

The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.

The father of a Thai farmhand who was held hostage in Gaza for 15 months could barely get the words out at hearing the news of his son’s release.

Three Israelis and five Thai nationals were freed earlier in what PM Benjamin Netanyahu called "shocking scenes".

Thailand and Israel have expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the countries share a mutual interest in establishing an FTA,

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Israel had delayed their release in protest against the way the seven hostages freed by Hamas were treated as they were handed over to Red Cross staff in Khan Younis. View on euronews

Five Thai farm workers who were abducted during the 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel have been released after being held for almost 500 days in Gaza. They were handed over to the Red Cross during chaotic scenes along with two Israelis, shortly after a first Israeli hostage was freed.

Thailand’s prime minister said her government was working with Israel to ensure the hostages freed by Hamas as part of an ongoing ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal were reunited with their families at the earliest.

The release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners as laid out in the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal had been in doubt after crowds in southern Gaza surrounded hostages who were being freed.

Israeli officials says they are delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas can assure them future hostages will be freed safely.