Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during the assault on southern Israel, making them the largest group of foreigners held captive.

The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.

Five Thai farmworkers’ suffering ended with an exchange on Thursday alongside three released Israeli hostages. Diplomatic efforts to free them, at times, frayed relations between Bangkok and Jerusalem.