Israel demanded on Wednesday the release of Arbel Yahoud in the next phase of the hostage exchange agreement scheduled for Saturday, in addition to the three other hostages whose identities will be revealed in the coming days. After the release of Romi, Emily and Doron, 94 hostages remain in Hamas hands, including seven women in total. Among them, in addition to Yahoud, are Shiri Bibas and soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Liri Elbag, Agam Berger and Naama Levy.
The agreement provides for the release of three hostages during each phase, with the exception of the 42nd day when fourteen captives should be released. The release date of Shiri Bibas and her children Kfir and Ariel is not yet known.
Arbel Yahoud, kidnapped from Nir Oz with her companion Ariel Konio, is detained by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Ariel’s brother David is also being held in Gaza, while his wife Sharon and their daughters Emma and Yuli were released in the first exchange deal.
At the same time, the IDF operated in the southern Gaza Strip, eliminating Akram Atef Farhan Zanoun, an active member of Islamic Jihad. Warning shots were also fired against suspects approaching Israeli forces in several areas.
-“The IDF is determined to fully respect the conditions of the agreement for the return of the hostages,” the Israeli army said. “The IDF is prepared for any scenario and will continue to take all necessary measures to eliminate any immediate threats against soldiers.”
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