Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
A poster showing the portraits of Arbel Yehoud (C), her brother Dolev Yehoud (R), and her partner Ariel Cunio (L) at their father's home in Rishon LeZion in central Israel on December 8, 2023 (MARCO LONGARI / AFP)
A diplomatic official tells Israeli reporters that Israel will not allow the return of Gazans to the north of the Strip until the release of hostage Arbel Yehud is resolved.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu stands firm on the decision he made not to allow the passage of Gazans northward through the Netzarim Corridor — until the issue of the return of Arbel Yehud is resolved,” the official says, without specifying what that would entail.
Israel had demanded Yehud, a civilian, be among the hostages freed yesterday, but instead Hamas freed four female IDF soldiers. Israel called the decision a violation of the ceasefire and has refused in turn to open the coastal road heading to north Gaza, where thousands of people have gathered today waiting to return home.
This aerial photo shows displaced Gazans gathering in an area in Nuseirat on January 26, 2025, to return to their homes in the northern part of the Gaza Strip (AFP)
Earlier today, Hamas issued a statement saying that Yehud is alive and claimed that it had given “all the necessary guarantees for her release.” Last night the Prime Minister’s Office said Israel had not received any video proof from Hamas that Yehud was alive.
Israel has yet to publicly comment on the other Hamas violation of the deal — its failure to hand over a list stating which of the remaining hostages slated to be released in the first 42-day stage are still alive.
Arbel Yehud, who was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy)
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 26, 2025
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