Jerusalem: At least 138 people taken hostage by Hamas and held in Gaza are of foreign nationality, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.
On Monday, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the number of people taken hostage by Hamas had increased to 222.
Of the 138 hostages, 54 are Thais, 15 Argentinians, 12 Americans, 12 Germans, six French and six Russians, the Ynet reported, citing the Israeli government.
On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.
