An Israeli official stated on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is steadfast in his decision not to allow Gazans to move north via Netzarim until progress is made on the release of hostage Arbel Yehud.
As a reminder, Hamas violated the hostage agreement yesterday, which stipulated the release of women hostages first. Arbel Yehud, who was expected to be among the hostages released, remains in captivity. Following her non-release, Israel announced it would halt movement in northern Gaza until Yehud is freed ahead of the next phase of the deal. Reports also indicate that the release of dual Israeli-American hostages may be imminent.
Israel’s Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons, Gal Hirsch, has been in regular contact with Yehud’s family, speaking with them multiple times over the past few days. According to a report on the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, Israel has requested Yehud’s release within two days.
Arbel Yehud is Alive
A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday. The official confirmed, “We have informed mediators that Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released soon.” A spokesperson from Islamic Jihad also stated that Yehud is in the custody of the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad.
In a statement designed to justify delays in her release, a terrorist source falsely claimed that Yehud is a “soldier” linked to Israel’s “space program.” Israel has dismissed these allegations as baseless lies aimed at excusing her delayed release.
Hamas further claimed it is struggling to persuade Islamic Jihad to release Yehud. However, Israeli officials doubt this assertion, noting that Islamic Jihad fighters recently participated in a Hamas-led show of force at Palestine Square in Gaza, indicating significant coordination between the two groups. Israeli officials insist that Hamas has the power to compel Islamic Jihad to comply.
