Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has assured Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin that his government will do its best to help secure the release of Thai workers being held hostage by the Hamas militants in Gaza.

Srettha said the assurance was given during a phone conversation he had with the Israeli leader this evening.

Netanyahu also pledged to help facilitate a return of Thai workers remaining in Israel if the current situation worsens and to arrange for them to be relocated to  safe zones, according to Srettha.

The Thai prime minister quoted Netanyahu as saying that negotiations for the release of hostages being held by Hamas are ongoing and expressing his condolences for the deaths of Thai workers who were killed in the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7.

At least 22 Thais are believed to have been captured by the Hamas militants.

“He said if there is any progress, he will personally call me. And if there is any bargaining involved, he will also inform me. I told him that we are open and our priority is to bring the Thai workers home safely,” Srettha said.

Srettha said Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for Thai workers’ contribution and encouraged Thai workers to return to Israel once the situation returns to normal.