Israel Confirms Return of Last Thai Hostage’s Remains from Gaza

Israeli and Thai officials confirmed on Thursday that the remains returned to Israel from Gaza have been identified as those of the last Thai hostage taken during the Hamas-led terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the remains of Sudhisak Rinthalak, an agricultural worker on a kibbutz, were handed over on Wednesday and subsequently verified by Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry, stated that Rinthalak’s family has been informed of the identification. He shared that Sudhisak was killed on the day of the attack, and his body was taken into Gaza. Balankura expressed gratitude to the Israeli government for its efforts, which facilitated the release of all Thai hostages.

Since the onset of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in early October, a total of 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel. These exchanges are crucial components of the ceasefire agreement, which has remained fragile as both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of violations.

Final Hostage Remains in Gaza

With the return of Rinthalak’s remains, only one hostage is still believed to be in Gaza: Ran Gvili. Gvili served in an elite Israeli police unit and was killed while helping individuals escape from the Nova music festival during the October 7 attack. His body was subsequently taken to Gaza, and the military confirmed his death four months later. Gvili is survived by his parents and a sister.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the government’s commitment to returning Gvili for a proper burial. “The Government and the entire Directorate for the Hostages and the Missing of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return National Counter-Terrorism Unit fighter and hero Master Sgt. Ran Gvili,” Netanyahu’s office declared.

Since the ceasefire began, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian bodies to Gaza in exchange for hostages or their remains, although most of these Palestinian remains have yet to be formally identified.

The ongoing situation continues to highlight the complexities of the conflict, with the return of hostages and remains serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost involved. As efforts to stabilize the ceasefire persist, the focus remains on resolving the fate of the remaining hostage in Gaza, a critical step towards achieving a lasting peace in the region.