“We are open to have a comprehensive approach in order to avoid further escalation,” said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ decision-making political bureau.
The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was notified that remains returned Wednesday were identified as those of Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai national and agricultural worker in Israel.
The return of all the hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war is a key element of the first phase of the ceasefire that began in October.
“The pope’s visit is a sign of hope,” the Rev. Miled Abboud told NBC News. “There are a lot of bleak things, of things that make us despair, but we have Christ, who gives us strength to carry on.”