Five Thai hostages have been released by the Islamic group Hamas after over 15 months in captivity. They are now in Israel, and Thai officials are working to bring them home.

The hostages were transported on Thursday to a hospital near Tel Aviv, where they were greeted by the Thai ambassador and hospital staff waving Thai flags. Their release brings the total of Thai hostages freed so far to 28.

Doctors say the five were not exposed to enough sunlight but now they are in fair health.

Watchara Sriaoun, 33 years old, is one of them. His mother, Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, told NHK that she and other members of the family spoke with him by video call.

He told them that he was beaten on the first day, but otherwise was treated well and is fine mentally. The mother said the first thing she wants to do is hug her son.

Tens of thousands of Thai nationals work in Israel, many on farms. Thailand's foreign ministry says since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October of 2023, 46 of its nationals have been confirmed dead.

The ministry says another Thai is still in captivity and has pledged every effort to get that person released.