Thailand laments Mideast escalation with 6 citizens in captivity

BANGKOK -- Thailand's number two diplomat has expressed frustration at the recent escalation in tensions in the Middle East that have set back cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas as the fate of six kidnapped Thai nationals hangs in the balance.

Vice Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra said Thailand did not condone violence, particularly the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Haniyeh, who represented the Palestinian militant group in cease-fire talks with Israel, was killed in Tehran on Wednesday, allegedly by Israel. Israel has not admitted any involvement in Haniyeh's death.