Hamas agrees to unconditional release of 23 Thai hostages

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Israeli Defense Minister Affirms Continued ‘Intense’ Fighting Following Ceasefire

In a recent address to troops of the Israeli navy special operations unit, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared that Israel will resume its military offensive against Hamas with unwavering intensity for a minimum of two months once the short-term ceasefire concludes. Despite the anticipated respite with the release of hostages, Gallant emphasized the brief nature of the pause, urging troops to prepare for the subsequent phase of conflict.

“What you will see in the coming days is first the release of hostages. This respite will be short,” Gallant stated. He directed the troops to use the ceasefire period to organize, investigate, resupply arms, and ready themselves for the imminent continuation of hostilities. Gallant highlighted the necessity to complete the victory and generate pressure for the return of the next groups of hostages.

“At least another two months of fighting is expected,” Gallant affirmed, underlining the determination to secure strategic gains during this extended timeframe.

In a separate development, it has been reported that Hamas is set to release 23 Thai hostages held in Gaza without any conditions. This decision, unrelated to the broader agreement between Israel and Hamas, follows Iran-mediated talks between the Palestinian militant group and the Thai government.

The Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news site disclosed the impending release, clarifying that it is not linked to the deal encompassing the release of Israeli hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The Thai government, engaged in negotiations with Iran, seeks the release of its citizens held by Hamas since the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. This group of 23 Thai hostages represents the largest single foreign contingent in captivity under the militant group’s control, with at least 32 Thai citizens having lost their lives during the October attacks, according to Thai government figures.

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Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.