The armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad has released a video of Arbel Yehud, one of three Israeli hostages who will be released on Thursday. In the recording, dated January 25, Yehud, kidnapped in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 with her partner, Ariel Cunio, says she is “fine” and expresses her desire to be released.
The video was released after the recent release of four Israeli soldiers, which sparked controversy as the truce agreement between Hamas and Israel prioritizes the release of civilians. According to the agreement, Yehud will be released along with soldier Agam Berger and another hostage whose identification is still unknown.
The images show her in apparent good physical condition. Israel believes that the dissemination of these videos is part of a strategy of "psychological warfare" by Hamas and Islamic Jihad to put pressure on society and families.
The hostage situation and the Gaza truce
Israel confirmed that it had received a list from Hamas on the status of the remaining hostages. Of the 33 to be released in this phase, 25 are alive, but the names of the dead have not been revealed. In total, 87 of the 251 kidnapped on October 7 remain in captivity in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli army.
Uncertainty over the fate of the hostages continues to cause anguish among their families, especially the relatives of Shiri Silberman Bibas, her husband Yarden Bibas and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, whose whereabouts are unknown.
Since November 2023, Hamas has handed over 105 civilians in previous agreements and seven more during the current truce. However, the situation of the captives remains a central issue.
Hezbollah rejects extension of truce in Lebanon
Hezbollah leader Naim Qasem has rejected the extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, originally set for January 18, until February 26. He demanded that Israel comply with the immediate withdrawal and urged the Lebanese government not to give in to external pressure.
“Israel must withdraw after 60 days and we do not accept any excuse to extend the deadline even for a single day,” said Qasem, who urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to “test his political ability.”