90 Palestinian prisoners released as ceasefire enters first full day

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire deal and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages, including Thai nationals.

Thailand is one of Israel’s biggest sources of foreign labor, particularly in its agriculture sector.

Some 31 Thai nationals were taken hostage during Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Of those, 23 have since been released and two were confirmed to have died in October 2023, leaving six still in captivity.

The World Health Organization said it would implement a 60-day plan to restore and expand the health system in Gaza, saying billions in investment is needed after much of it was destroyed.

“Addressing the massive needs and restoring the health system will be an extremely complex and challenging task, given the scale of destruction, operational complexity and constraints involved,” the group said yesterday. “Billions in investment are needed to support recovery of the health system, which will require the unwavering commitment of donors and the international community.”

Only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially operational, the group said, while almost all hospitals have been damaged or partly destroyed. An estimated 25% of those injured, or about 30,000 people, “face life-changing injuries and will need ongoing rehabilitation,” and the Palestinian enclave is also grappling with severe malnutrition and the spread of infectious diseases.

The WHO said priority areas of focus would include trauma and emergency care, primary health care, child health, noncommunicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, rehabilitation and mental health. 

There were scenes of joy in the West Bank as families awaited to welcome the 90 prisoners who Israel freed as a part of the ceasefire deal. The 90 prisoners were released in exchange for the three Israeli hostages.