Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai citizen who was killed during the Hamas-led massacres in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, before his body was kidnapped and taken to Gaza, was identified as the deceased hostage returned to Israel on Wednesday, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed the following morning.
The PMO added that Rinthalak's family, as well as the Thai ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichienphan, expressed their appreciation for Israel's efforts to return Rinthalak's remains.
Following Rinthalak's return, only the remains of one hostage, Staff-Sergeant Major Ran Gvili, remain in Gaza captivity. The PMO noted that Israel would continue to work to return Gvili to Israel for burial.
"The Hamas terror organization is required to meet its commitments to the mediators and return him as part of the agreement’s implementation. Israel will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until he is brought home to Israel," the office concluded.
Hamas obligated to return remains of all hostages
In its statement confirming Rinthalak's identification, the IDF also noted that, as per the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is obligated to return the remains of all the hostages. Hamas was supposed to return all the hostages, both living and deceased, days after the agreement was signed in October.
The military also noted that, according to its knowledge, after being murdered and abducted to Gaza, Rinthalak, who worked in the orchards of Kibbutz Be’eri, was held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group.
"The IDF expresses deep condolences to the families, continues to make every effort to return the remaining deceased hostage, and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement."
President Isaac Herzog released a statement on X/Twitter following the announcement, "on behalf of the people of Israel."
Herzog wrote that he extended his "deepest condolences to King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, Sudthisak Rinthalak’s family, and the entire Thai people."
Herzog emphasized his appreciation for Israel's Thai community, of which 39 were murdered, and 31 were taken hostage on October 7. He also expressed his gratitude for their continuous contributions to the country after the Hamas massacre.
"When we say we won't stop until every last hostage is home, we mean it," Herzog reaffirmed.
Previously, on Wednesday, PIJ said that it had located one of the remaining hostages in northern Gaza and turned over a coffin containing Rinthalak's remains.
The IDF then escorted the remains to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, where they were later identified.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.