Wrapping up a crucial conference at the Rapid Response Centre, Jakkapong unveiled the outcomes, throwing light on a worrying situation that shook the world on a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning. With aggression palpable in the air, the small but buzzing Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip turned into a battlefield as Hamas militants took the residents by surprise with an unexpected onslaught of rockets. Not stopping at that, they further infiltrated the quiet town with their fighters, causing a wave of panic and alarm.
Acknowledging the grave reality, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in no uncertain terms that Israel was now essentially “at war” with the Hamas militants. Jakkapong, speaking from a neutral stand, strongly condemned the outbreak of violence without pointing fingers at any specific faction. Stressing on the importance of dialogue, he urged the warring side to sit across the negotiating table for a peaceful resolution that stands the test of time.
The Thai embassy, in its latest update, confirmed the unfortunate news of two Thai workers succumbing to their injuries in the violence. The chaos further led to the capture of 11 of them, while eight others are dealing with injury woes. Piling on the apprehension, two among the injured are battling for their lives in critical condition. A significant number of Thais – around 30,000 – have made Israel their home, with most earning their livelihood in the thriving agricultural sector.
The reports coming from the ministry were also tinged with worry. Even though the on-ground authorities confirmed two casualties, employer inputs suggest there may be as many as 12 Thai fatalities. The lack of verified information on the remaining 10 reported deaths, however, leaves room for ambiguity and anxiety.
In a decisive move during the meeting, prioritizing human life above all, it was determined to focus efforts on rescuing the affected Thai nationals from the violence-ridden zone. The rescue strategy also hinges on the harmony with friendly nations who can lend a helping hand in the daunting task. Jakkapong revealed that the Royal Thai Airforce is on high-alert and just 24 hours away from embarking on this humanitarian mission. But, he assured, the journey back to the safety of Thailand would solely depend on the individuals’ choice.
With a proactive approach, the ministry reached out to Palestinian representatives stationed in Kuala Lumpur. Conveying the Thai government’s deep concern for the safety of the hostages, they pleaded for their immediate release. In their persuasion, they pointed out that the hostages – innocent and uninvolved civilians – have no connection to either of the feuding sides, and hence should not bear the brunt of a battle that is not theirs.
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