Israel, US pushing for urgent release of hostage Arbel Yehoud, official says

By admin On Jan 25, 2025

Israel is intensifying efforts to secure the release of Arbel Yehud, 29, a civilian hostage abducted during Hamas’s October 7 attacks. According to an Israeli official, significant diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure her release “as quickly as possible.”

A US official told The Jerusalem Post, “We are continuing to push for Arbel Yahud’s release through negotiation channels.”

Hamas has announced that Yehud’s release is planned for next Saturday. However, Israeli officials have approached intermediaries and the United States, demanding that Hamas adhere to the ceasefire agreement, which they accuse the group of violating.

Contrary to Arab media reports, Israel has not received any video regarding Arbel Yehud, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Yehud, who was taken alongside her boyfriend Ariel Cunio from Kibbutz Nir Oz, remains in captivity despite the recent release of four female Israeli soldiers. The omission of civilian hostages like Yehud has led to accusations of bad faith on Hamas’s part. An Israeli official told the Post, “We knew they would try to play games, but from our perspective, this is a violation—even if it stems from internal issues within Hamas in Gaza. It makes no difference to us.”

Palestinians walk past the rubble of houses and buildings destroyed during the war, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, January 20, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled)

Restrictions until release

Israel has made it clear that residents of northern Gaza will not be allowed to return to their homes until Yehud is released. The government has also emphasized that the full list of hostages and their status must be published by midnight, warning that failure to do so will constitute “another violation” of the agreement.

While Hamas claims the delay is due to internal disputes within Gaza, Israeli officials are pushing for her release to occur earlier, potentially within the week. If such an agreement is reached, restrictions on northern Gaza could be lifted sooner.

Yehud’s family has expressed mixed emotions, celebrating the recent release of other hostages while anxiously awaiting news of her return. For now, efforts continue, with diplomatic channels remaining focused on ensuring Hamas fulfills its commitments.

JPost