The Arbel Yehud Case: A Complex Dilemma in the Israel-Palestine Ceasefire Negotiations
Arbel Yehud is an Israeli captive held by Palestinian resistance factions in the Gaza Strip. Her case is one of the most complex issues in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Palestinian groups.
Details About Israeli Captive Arbel Yehud
1. Background and Personal Information
Arbel Yehud was born in June 1995 in Kibbutz Nir Oz, an Israeli settlement near Gaza.
She has two brothers, one of whom was killed during the October 7, 2023, attack on settlements near the Gaza border.
She works as a space and astronomy guide at the "Grovtek" technology complex, part of the Eshkol Regional Council.
2. Capture and Circumstances
Arbel Yehud was captured on October 7, 2023, during the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. She was taken from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with her partner, Ariel Konio.
According to the Islamic Jihad movement, Arbel is considered a military operative trained in the Israeli army's space program. However, Israel insists she is a civilian.
3. Negotiations and Release Efforts
Arbel was initially scheduled to be released on January 25, 2025, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, her release was delayed due to disputes over whether she should be classified as a civilian or a military operative.
The Islamic Jihad movement announced that Arbel is alive and will be released on February 1, 2025, as per the terms of the agreed-upon prisoner exchange deal.
Israel has linked the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza to Arbel's release, causing tensions in implementing the agreement.
4. Dispute Over Her Status
Israel considers Arbel a civilian, while Palestinian factions claim she is a military operative trained in the Israeli army's space program. This disagreement has affected the nature of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for her.
This dispute has complicated negotiations, as Israel demands the release of civilians first, while Palestinian factions view her as part of the military.
5. Current Status
As of January 27, 2025, Arbel remains in captivity, with intensive negotiations ongoing between the involved parties to secure her release.
The Islamic Jihad movement has informed mediators that Arbel is in good health and will be released according to the agreed terms.
6. Impact on the Ceasefire Agreement
The delay in Arbel's release has affected the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has prevented the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza until her release is arranged.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement and using Arbel's case as a pretext to obstruct the return of displaced Palestinians.
Related to Ceasefire Agreement
