Authorities in Thailand have held an emergency meeting in response to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas. The country's prime minister said he plans to urge the parties in the conflict to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in the area.

Srettha Thavisin said during the meeting on Friday that he hopes all Thai nationals in the region will return home immediately. He vowed to take every possible step to make that happen.

The Israeli government says 54 Thai nationals are being held hostage by Hamas. Srettha promised to step up efforts to secure their release.

About 25,000 Thai nationals are believed to be in Israel. They are mainly from northeastern Thailand. They went to Israel in search of higher wages. Some of them have expressed a desire to remain in Israel, despite the escalating conflict. Srettha noted there is a possibility that Israel will conduct a ground operation in Gaza. He said many lives will be lost, if that happens. He urged the Thais in the area to return home on relief planes that the government is going to provide.