Two Thai hostages recently released by Islamist militant group Hamas received a warm welcome from Thai officials in Israel.

Pattanayut Tonsoki and Owat Suriyasri, both 40, were greeted by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara when they arrived safely at the Shamir Medical Center in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, November 28.

The pair was the fourth batch of Thai hostages released by Hamas, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

In a statement, the department said: 'The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulates Pattanayut Tonsoki and Owat Suriyasri on being freed safely. We pray for their speedy return to Thailand.

'The previous group of 17 released hostages also warmly welcomed them before they were taken for further medical treatment.'

The long-running conflict between Israel and Gaza erupted in October following a Hamas attack that killed at least 100 Israeli civilians and injured at least 800 more. Overseas workers, including Thais and Filipinos, were taken hostage by Hamas in the chaos.

Israel has this week agreed a ceasefire in return for the release of more hostages.