Israel informed 18 of remaining 26 hostages alive, signs of life from Arbel Yehud

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad released a short video showing Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud, marking the first visual confirmation of her condition. Yehud is expected to be released Thursday as part of a deal in which Israel agreed to open the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Hamas provided Israel with a long-awaited list detailing the status of hostages set for release under the ongoing ceasefire. The document confirmed Israeli intelligence reports that 18 of the remaining 26 hostages are alive, while eight have died. However, Hamas did not specify the identities of the living or deceased hostages.
Since the agreement took effect on Jan. 19, seven living hostages have been freed.

The video featuring Yehud was posted Monday evening on the Telegram channel of Saraya al-Quds, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israeli media outlets have refrained from sharing the footage at the request of her family.
In the recording, Yehud identifies herself and states that the video was filmed last Saturday. She briefly addresses her family, expressing hope that she will be reunited with them soon, as other released hostages have been.

Following a pattern seen in previous propaganda videos, Yehud also appeals to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging them to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire so that hostages can return safely and Palestinian prisoners can be freed.

Israeli media have largely avoided broadcasting such videos throughout the war to prevent amplifying psychological tactics used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Yehud was originally slated for release in an earlier group, as the ceasefire agreement prioritized the return of civilians before captured Israeli soldiers. However, Hamas instead released four female soldiers last Saturday.

On Sunday night, Israel announced an agreement with Hamas for the release of Yehud, along with Israeli soldier Agam Berger and an unidentified male hostage, scheduled for Thursday. The deal comes ahead of an expected round of releases over the weekend.

Israel had specifically pressed for Yehud’s release last week, anticipating challenges due to her captivity under Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Reports indicate that a local faction of the group initially defied instructions from its leadership abroad and resisted freeing her. Additionally, PIJ allegedly misclassified Yehud as a soldier and initially demanded additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for her release.