Israel's decision and Hamas' announcement: 'Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday'

The Prime Minister's Office stated today (Saturday), following the release of the four female IDF field observers: "As per the agreement, Israel will not allow the passage of Gazans to the north of the Strip - until the release of the civilian Arbel Yehud, who was supposed to be released today, is arranged."

A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera, "Arbel Yehud is alive and will be released next Saturday." An Israeli official responded to Hamas' statement, saying "We expect Arbel Yehud to be released as soon as possible."

A senior official from Islamic Jihad told Al Jazeera that Arbel Yehud is being held captive by their organization and will be released as a soldier.

The official claimed that Arbel Yehud is a soldier in the IDF's space program and will be released under "the terms of the agreement as stipulated." The official accused the Israeli government of failing to uphold the terms of the agreement.

Yesterday, the terrorist organization published a list of hostages expected to be released in the second phase of the hostage deal, which included the four female lookouts. Contrary to the agreement that civilians would be prioritized, the list did not include Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Arbel was abducted from her home along with her partner, Ariel Konyo, after her brother, Dolev, was murdered on the day of the massacre. Israel announced that this omission constituted a violation of the agreement by Hamas but approved the list nonetheless.

On Israel's Kan News' Friday broadcast, it was reported that after consultations between the Prime Minister and the negotiation team, a decision was made not to take action against Hamas until after the return of the four hostages, according to a source familiar with the matter.

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized today that Hamas had failed to adhere to the agreement that stipulated the release of civilian women first. "We will insist on the return of Arbel Yehud and are committed to (the return of) Agam Berger," Hagari clarified.

The IDF spokesperson also expressed deep concern over the fate of the Bibas family. "Israel expects to receive certainty on this matter," he added.

Regarding the release of Karina Ariev, Danielle Gilboa, Liri Albag, and Naama Levy, Hagari stated, "Danielle, Liri, Karina, and Naama are in safe hands. They have arrived at the reception center in Re’im to meet their parents. We are prepared to provide them with the necessary initial care, after which they will be transferred to the hospital."

"These are very emotional moments," he added, urging, "At the same time, we must all act responsibly. These are difficult days. Rely only on reports from official sources and refrain from spreading rumors on social media."

"Hamas today presented a false display of handling hostages, while in reality, they are cruelly holding 90 innocent hostages," Hagari said. "In recent hours, Hamas demonstrated its brutality by organizing a cynical ceremony. This is a murderous terrorist organization, and it is important for the world to remember that."