Thailand’s government has been given assurances by Hamas that 25 of its nationals held hostage by the Palestinian fighter group are “safe”, a member of the kingdom’s hostage release negotiating team said.

According to AFP, The hostages could be released in days if a ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, Thai politician Lepong Syed said.

Thai politician Lepong, who is part of his government’s mediation team, said Bangkok was assured by Hamas that the Thai hostages were safe and would “return to the motherland soon”.

“The Thai nationals in captivity are safe,” he said, adding that they could be released only if a ceasefire was announced.

“I hope that it will be less than 10 days or even a few days,” he said.