BANGKOK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza.
The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel.
Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day.
"Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building.
Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.
Persons:
Thais, Lepong Syed, Wan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Simon Cameron, Moore
Organizations:
Hamas, Thailand's, Ministry, House Speaker, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
BANGKOK, Gaza, Israel, Thai, Iran