Arbel Yehud, a female Israeli citizen kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, will be released by the terrorist group next week.
The 29-year-old is expected to be released next Saturday, Reuters reported, citing a Hamas official.
Israeli officials demanded the terror group provide a sign of life and guarantee Yehud will be a part of the next round of hostage releases, The Times of Israel reported, citing Israel’s Channel 12.
Yehud is believed to be held by the terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not Hamas, complicating her release.
Israel claimed Hamas violated the terms of the cease-fire as they didn’t release all living female civilian hostages before releasing female soldier hostages.
As part of the violation, Israel is not allowing Palestinians to return to portions of Gaza until Yehud is returned.
“As per the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Strip — until the release of the civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today, is arranged,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced.
Yehud was with her boyfriend Ariel Cunio when the two were abducted from the kibbutz. Her brother, Dolev Yehud, was killed that day.
On Saturday, four Israeli soldiers — Karina Ariev, 20; Daniella Gilboa, 20; Naama Levy, 20; and Liri Albag, 19 — were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in an exchange in Gaza City, Gaza.
Yehud’s family on Saturday celebrated the release of the women.
“Our hearts are filled with joy at the return of Karina, Daniella, Liri and Naama,” the family said in a statement. “We are waiting and looking forward to the moment when we can hug our Arbel as soon as possible.”
