Palestinian Islamic Jihad captive Arbel Yehoud released after 482 days in Gaza

On January 30, 2025, Arbel Yehoud, 29, was released from captivity in Gaza as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire-hostage release deal. She was handed over to the Red Cross, who delivered her to IDF soldiers who escorted her into Israel. Below is what we initially knew of her capture: 

Arbel Yehoud, 28, (now 29), was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home on October 7, when Hamas terrorists launched an attack, killing and kidnapping a quarter of the kibbutz residents.

Arbel’s brother, Dolev Yehoud, was killed on October 7 at the kibbutz and his remains were identified on June 3, 2024.

The Yehoud siblings are the third generation of their family living on the kibbutz.

Arbel lives on the kibbutz with Ariel and is known as the favorite aunt who loves everything about outer space and astronomy.

Her sister-in-law, Sigi, said that Arbel is an aunt who “always comes, always plays, always takes, always cares.”

“More and more women were released and Arbel was not on the lists,” said Sigi Yehoud. “It is important to us that they know that Arbel is there and she needs to return, like all the women and children.”