The hostage exchange process between Israel and Hamas is experiencing its first major turbulence. Hamas did not release civilian hostage Arbel Yahud, citing “technical difficulties”, after releasing four female soldiers: Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev and Daniella Gilboa. In response, Israel suspended permission for Gazans to pass north through the Netzarim Corridor. Hamas then refused to provide information on the condition of the 26 hostages to be released during this first phase. “Israel did not want to create a situation where it would accept a violation. This is not lightness, but an insistence taken after extensive consultations,” sources close to the matter stressed.
Intense negotiations continue behind the scenes. “We continue to press for the release of Arbel Yahud through negotiation channels,” a White House National Security Council spokesperson said, adding that “continuing the ceasefire is crucial” .
According to Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials, Israel received “proof of life” from Arbel, with a commitment to his release in the next phase. However, Israel does not consider this declaration sufficient and demands concrete guarantees before losing one of its main negotiating levers.
-Meanwhile, NBC News reports that U.S. citizenship holder Keith Siegel is expected to be released in the next phase on Saturday, followed by Sagi Dekel-Chen. Israeli sources, however, temper this information, specifying that “although they are on the list, there is not yet certainty as to their release.”
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