Palestinian Islamic Jihad Releases Video of Hostage Arbel Yehoud

On Monday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) released a video featuring Arbel Yehoud, 29, a hostage held by the group. The video, reportedly filmed on Saturday, coincides with the recent release of four female hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urged that the video or any screenshots not be shared publicly until Yehoud's family decides on its release.

In the video, Yehoud introduces herself, stating her birthdate, her origins, and her ID numbers, both civilian and military. She also mentions her service in the IDF from October 2013 to October 2015. Yehoud reassures her family, saying, "I’m fine. I miss you so much and hope to be back with you soon, like the other girls who were liberated."

The video also reveals that Yehoud is being held by the PIJ. She addresses both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump, urging them to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire and to prioritize the safe return of all hostages.

As of now, seven female hostages have been released, including four over the past weekend and three the week before. Yehoud's release, along with that of IDF observation soldier Agam Berger and another male hostage, is expected on Thursday, following an unscheduled hostage transfer.

However, tensions arose when Israel accused Hamas of violating the terms of the ceasefire by delaying Yehoud's release. Israel responded by halting the movement of Gazans into the northern Gaza Strip until Yehoud's release was confirmed.