Israel has requested the Trump administration to intervene in the situation involving the release of a female hostage, Arbel Yehud, who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Israeli officials are urging Hamas to adhere to the terms of the deal and release Yehud, emphasizing that she is a civilian and should have been freed by now.
The message was conveyed to Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for the Trump administration. The US, Qatar, and Egypt have been playing crucial roles as mediators in the negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the efforts made by Israeli authorities, Yehud, aged 29, remains in captivity. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has claimed responsibility for holding her, alleging that she was a soldier. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, as Yehud is confirmed to be a civilian.
A source from PIJ has confirmed that Yehud is alive, providing some relief amid the ongoing tensions. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that due to the failure to release Yehud as agreed, civilians in Gaza will not be permitted to return to their homes in northern Gaza as planned.
The situation remains delicate as Israel continues to seek the safe return of Arbel Yehud, emphasizing the importance of upholding the terms of the deal and ensuring the well-being of the abducted civilian.
