The demand comes as Hamas is expected to notify Israel on Friday regarding the hostages scheduled to be released the following day.
Arbel Yehud was kidnapped from Nir Oz, a village in southern Israel, alongside her partner Ariel Cunio. While Cunio was later confirmed to be among those in captivity, Arbel’s whereabouts and condition remain uncertain. Israel has expressed concerns over Hamas's refusal to commit to her release or to provide information about her situation, with claims that she is being held by members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a separate militant group.
Earlier in the week, Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet (ISA) Director Ronen Bar returned from meetings in Egypt, where they voiced their concerns over Hamas potentially failing to provide a comprehensive list of living hostages as promised. The Israeli officials remain apprehensive that the terrorist organization might not adhere to the terms of the deal.
A month ago, Arbel’s father, Yehiel Yehud, released a heartbreaking recording of his daughter, where she addressed her mother, saying, “My dear mother, I love you and miss you.” This recording has fueled the call for her immediate release.
Arbel’s brother, Dolev Yehud, was tragically killed on October 7th, and his remains were found in Nir Oz several months later. On her birthday in June, Arbel turned 29, and she is one of the 12 women believed to still be alive in Hamas captivity. In the days leading up to the second stage of hostages being freed, Israel has made it clear that Arbel must be part of the release, adding to the mounting pressure on Hamas to comply with their obligations.
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