Tel Aviv, Feb. 3 -- A high-ranking delegation of Thai officials expressed gratitude and hope following the release of five Thai hostages from Hamas captivity during an emotional visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall on Monday.

Thailand's Foreign Minister Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra and Royal Thai Army Chief of Staff Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee are visiting Israel to secure the release of one Thai hostage and the bodies of two others still in Gaza.

The five freed hostages, agricultural workers Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak--were released on Thursday after 482 days in captivity.

They are currently recovering at Shamir Medical Ce...