On the first day of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Hamas released more than 20 hostages, including Israelis, Thais and Filipinos, but not Americans, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained why.
Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Hamas had released a group of Thai citizens in addition to Israeli citizens, but not American citizens."We are not surprised that no Americans have been released," he said. We know the Thais spoke directly to the Iranians. As you know, Iran is a major financier of Hamas. It is clear that if Iran asks Hamas to do something, they will do it."
Regev said the Thai government has made individual contacts with Tehran.
Thai Prime Minister Seta said on Twitter on the 24th that 12 Thai citizens were released.
Regev said a young American girl is still being held by Hamas, which he believes is inconsistent with the terror group's claim that they will focus on freeing women and children. "She ticks all the boxes and she needs to be prioritised. I hope she will be released soon."
In the early morning of November 22, local time, Israel and Hamas reached a "human exchange ceasefire" agreement, the two sides cease-fire for four days, during which Hamas will release a total of 50 hostages in batches.
"Today's agreement should bring back more American hostages, and I will not rest until they are all released," President Joe Biden said in a statement. At the time, US media also said that three Americans may be among the 50 hostages.
On November 24, the first day of the agreement, Hamas released 13 Israeli citizens, 12 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen. Hamas is expected to release more hostages later.
