Israeli security take position as a car approaches on a road following a mass infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, near Sderot in southern Israel, Oct. 8, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Ten Nepalese students working on an agricultural farm in the Alumim Kibbutz in southern Israel and a dozen Thai nationals have been murdered in recent days by Hamas terrorists, officials with both countries have announced.

“Ten Nepalis have tragically died, due to an attack by the Palestinian Hamas group, in a place called Kibbutz Alumim,” a statement from the country’s embassy in Tel Aviv said.

Nepal’s ambassador to Israel confirmed that there were 17 students in total at the Kibbutz.

According to Nepalese Foreign Minister NP Saud, 4,500 Nepalis are working in Israel as caregivers.

Separately, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that 12 Thai nationals had been killed by Hamas terrorists, plus 11 more kidnapped and eight injured.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Alumim Kibbutz has been the site of ongoing clashes with Hamas terrorists until as recently as Sunday evening, Israel time.

Israel has drafted a record 300,000 reservists in its response to a multi-front Hamas attack from Gaza and is “going on the offensive,” the chief military spokesperson said on Monday.

Since Saturday’s surprise assault, Israeli aircraft have been pounding Gaza targets while its ground forces have battled to retake control of border villages and towns overrun by Palestinian gunmen.