Thailand Expresses Disappointment Over Renewed Hostilities in Gaza
Thailand calls for restraint and the release of hostages amid escalating violence in the region.
BANGKOK: The Thai government has expressed its disappointment regarding the resurgence of hostilities in Gaza and reiterated calls for the release of hostages, including a Thai national.
On March 22, 2025, Israel commenced renewed military operations against the Gaza Strip, marking a significant uptick in violence since a ceasefire was established on January 19. Reports indicate that the recent strikes represent the deadliest escalation since the truce, resulting in over 500 casualties as per data from the Health Ministry in Gaza.
In just 48 hours, at least 130 Palestinians were reported killed and 263 injured due to the latest military offensive.
In response, a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry underscored the nation’s concerns, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint, halt hostilities, and recommence negotiations aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire and establishing an agreement regarding hostages.
The Thai government specifically called for the release of hostages held in Gaza, which includes one Thai national, as well as the repatriation of the deceased bodies of two Thai citizens.
Following the initial Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, a total of 31 Thais were abducted, with 23 released by year's end and two confirmed dead in May. Additionally, five more Thais were returned in February, following their release during the January ceasefire, leaving one Thai national still unaccounted for in Gaza.
Israel has communicated its intent to intensify military actions in Palestinian territories until the release of any remaining hostages.
Amid these developments, there is a noted skepticism among many in Israel regarding the effectiveness of such measures, with concerns that they may jeopardize the lives of those captured.
Ghassan Al-Khatib, a Palestinian political analyst and former minister of the Palestinian Authority, posits that Hamas may only consider releasing hostages if it receives assurances that Israel will adhere to the terms of the January ceasefire, which remains in a state of limbo.
He remarked, 'If the hostages are released under the pressure of Israeli attacks, then Hamas will be left with no guarantees.' Al-Khatib emphasized the necessity for guarantees from third-party mediators, such as Egypt, the United States, or Qatar.
Simultaneously, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain have issued a joint statement advocating for an immediate restoration of the ceasefire in Gaza.
They have urged Israel to ensure the restoration of humanitarian access, including water, electricity, and medical care, in line with international humanitarian law.
The ministers expressed their dismay over civilian casualties and reiterated calls for the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
They affirmed that military solutions cannot resolve the ongoing conflict and advocated for a long-term ceasefire as the only viable path to peace.
Additionally, they voiced their deep shock regarding an incident involving the UN Office for Project Services building in Gaza, calling for a thorough investigation into the event.
On March 22, 2025, Israel commenced renewed military operations against the Gaza Strip, marking a significant uptick in violence since a ceasefire was established on January 19. Reports indicate that the recent strikes represent the deadliest escalation since the truce, resulting in over 500 casualties as per data from the Health Ministry in Gaza.
In just 48 hours, at least 130 Palestinians were reported killed and 263 injured due to the latest military offensive.
In response, a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry underscored the nation’s concerns, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint, halt hostilities, and recommence negotiations aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire and establishing an agreement regarding hostages.
The Thai government specifically called for the release of hostages held in Gaza, which includes one Thai national, as well as the repatriation of the deceased bodies of two Thai citizens.
Following the initial Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, a total of 31 Thais were abducted, with 23 released by year's end and two confirmed dead in May. Additionally, five more Thais were returned in February, following their release during the January ceasefire, leaving one Thai national still unaccounted for in Gaza.
Israel has communicated its intent to intensify military actions in Palestinian territories until the release of any remaining hostages.
Amid these developments, there is a noted skepticism among many in Israel regarding the effectiveness of such measures, with concerns that they may jeopardize the lives of those captured.
Ghassan Al-Khatib, a Palestinian political analyst and former minister of the Palestinian Authority, posits that Hamas may only consider releasing hostages if it receives assurances that Israel will adhere to the terms of the January ceasefire, which remains in a state of limbo.
He remarked, 'If the hostages are released under the pressure of Israeli attacks, then Hamas will be left with no guarantees.' Al-Khatib emphasized the necessity for guarantees from third-party mediators, such as Egypt, the United States, or Qatar.
Simultaneously, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain have issued a joint statement advocating for an immediate restoration of the ceasefire in Gaza.
They have urged Israel to ensure the restoration of humanitarian access, including water, electricity, and medical care, in line with international humanitarian law.
The ministers expressed their dismay over civilian casualties and reiterated calls for the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
They affirmed that military solutions cannot resolve the ongoing conflict and advocated for a long-term ceasefire as the only viable path to peace.
Additionally, they voiced their deep shock regarding an incident involving the UN Office for Project Services building in Gaza, calling for a thorough investigation into the event.
