Reports: Israel tells Hamas it expects release of hostage Arbel Yehud on Saturday

22 January 2025, 11:25 pm

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Arbel Yehoud was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy)

Israel has conveyed to Hamas that it expects the terror group to free hostage Arbel Yehud in Saturday’s upcoming release of four hostages from Gaza, under the ceasefire deal, according to multiple reports in Hebrew media.

Yehud is among the civilian hostages held by Gaza terrorists, and, as a female civilian, should be in the next batch freed. However, she is thought to be held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group and not Hamas, apparently leading to concern in Jerusalem that Hamas may attempt to put off her release.

Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to provide the names of the four hostages to be freed by Friday.

Yehud, now 29, was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7.