Exclusive: Agreement Reached for Release of Israeli Captive Arbel Yehud, Says Source
According to two Palestinian sources, Yehud's release was accelerated as a result of mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, as reported to AFP.
Discussions are actively taking place among Palestinian Resistance groups regarding the situation involving the Israeli captive, Arbel Yehud, as confirmed by a high-ranking official in the Palestinian Resistance. This information was reported by Al Mayadeen on Sunday.
Reports indicate that factions have reached an agreement to release a captive in return for the freedom of 30 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
According to a report by AFP on Sunday, two Palestinian sources have indicated that Yehud, whose release has been a precondition set by Israel for allowing the return of displaced Palestinians, is expected to be transferred by the Palestinian Resistance in the coming days.
Arbel Yehud is anticipated to be released prior to the forthcoming captive-prisoner exchange, which is set for February 1, according to a source from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement.
A separate Palestinian source familiar with the situation has indicated that Yehud’s release is expected to occur by Friday.
According to an anonymous source not authorized to disclose details, Arbel Yehud is expected to be released by next Friday in a deal involving the exchange of 30 prisoners currently serving life sentences.
In a recent development, the Israeli government has leveled accusations against Hamas for allegedly violating the ceasefire agreement. According to Israeli officials, the breach occurred when Hamas failed to release an individual named Yehud during the scheduled second phase of the prisoner exchange on Saturday.
According to a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, civilian Yehud was anticipated to be freed in the second exchange as stipulated by the truce agreement.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned recent actions by Hamas as a breach of the existing ceasefire agreement. It further stated that Israel will prohibit Gazans from traveling to the northern region of the Gaza Strip until arrangements are made for the release of civilian Arbel Yehud.
According to reports from two Hamas sources on Saturday, Yehud is “alive and in good health.” One of the sources indicated that her release is anticipated as part of the third exchange scheduled for next Saturday, AFP reported.
On Sunday, two Palestinian sources confirmed that her release was hastened as a result of mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the issue has been successfully resolved.
The Secretary of the Military Council of the al-Quds Brigades, Abu Ahmad, stated that intermediaries have obtained assurances regarding the well-being of Yehud, confirming he is alive and healthy. Abu Ahmad further noted that any agreements made between the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s political leadership and the mediators concerning Yehud’s release will be honored and executed according to the predetermined timeline.
Abu Mujahed, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Resistance Committees, announced that the situation involving Yehud, who was captured by a coalition comprising members of the al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades and al-Quds Brigades, “is nearing a resolution.”
He claimed that the Israeli occupation “manufactured this issue with the intent to disrupt the agreement and undermine the mediators’ efforts.”
Hamas has stated that it is closely monitoring Israel’s actions via mediators, regarding the alleged prevention of displaced individuals from returning from southern to northern Gaza. This move is being viewed by the group as a violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.
In a recent statement, Hamas accused Israel of delaying the execution of a previously established agreement, citing the captivity of Israeli national Arbel Yehud as a pretext. The movement emphasized that it has assured mediators of Yehud’s well-being and has offered all necessary assurances to facilitate her release.
The Palestinian organization has attributed delays in the implementation of the agreement to the Israeli occupation, stating, “We are engaging responsibly with mediators to find a solution that guarantees the return of displaced individuals.”
