Hostages released after group’s direct intervention

Embracing freedom: Thai hostages, who were previously released, hug their newly freed compatriots at the Shamir Medical Centre in Israel. — AP

A Thai Muslim group which spoke directly with Hamas said their efforts were the driving force securing the release of Thai hostages from Gaza during a temporary truce, countering reports that gave credit to the foreign ministry and other negotiators.

Three Thai hostages were released from Gaza on Sunday, taking the number of Thai nationals freed since the four-day truce began on Friday to 17.