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

Dozens of Israeli doctors, nurses and representatives from Israel and Thailand waved flags, sang and cheered on Thursday as the five Thai hostages stepped off a military helicopter and entered a hospital outside Tel Aviv, where they were to spend a few days undergoing medical tests and recuperating.

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.