Israel threatens: If Arbel Yehud is not released, this is what will happen
Waiting for the list of names of the four upcoming releases, Israel threatens that if the abductee Arbel Yehud is not released this coming Saturday, Israel will not withdraw from the Nitzan axis.
Israel has issued a firm stance on the next phase of hostage releases, warning Hamas that IDF forces won't withdraw from the Nitzanim axis unless Arbel Yehud is freed this Saturday, according to military correspondent Nir Dvori.
Senior Hamas leader Zaher Jabarin confirmed to Al-Araby news that the group will provide Israel with names of four hostages for Saturday's release on Friday. The exchange should include three observers and Yehud, with additional releases scheduled for next week.
Israel's insistence on Yehud's release stems from concerns that she's held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rather than Hamas, potentially complicating the exchange. She's among seven female hostages remaining from the original list of 33 to be released in the first phase, including Shiri Silberman Bibas, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Danielle Gilboa, and Naama Levy.
Israel's firm stance on Yehud's release stems from the agreement's explicit terms regarding living hostages. Military officials insist full compliance is non-negotiable, making her release a key condition for the planned IDF withdrawal.
For each female soldier released, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted terrorists serving life sentences. This follows Monday's exchange where Israel released 90 prisoners for three civilian hostages - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher.
Prime Minister Netanyahu recently spoke with the freed hostages' parents, vowing continued efforts for remaining captives. In emotional calls, families thanked him for "having the courage" to secure the releases while urging action for others still held.
Israeli officials await both Saturday's release list and details about the remaining 30 hostages in phase one, though sources suggest Hamas may only provide numbers rather than specific status updates.