IDF lookout Agam Berger is expected to be released next Shabbos, along with civilian Arbel Yehud and another civilian. According to NBC News, the third person is likely to be Keith Siegel, an American citizen, who NBC previously reported would be freed on Day 14 of the deal.
However, an Israeli source has emphasized that no official list of those being released has been made public yet.
Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad have confirmed that Arbel Yehud is alive, and Israel has insisted that she be part of the second group of hostages, who arrived in Israel yesterday.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari remarked that Hamas’ failure to release her in the initial batch violated the terms of the agreement, which specified that civilian women must be freed before female soldiers and male civilians.
Hamas, on the other hand, attributed the delay in Arbel’s release to “logistical difficulties” and requested additional time. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad has falsely claimed that they are holding Arbel and consider her a soldier in Israel’s “space program,” a baseless accusation.
In response, the Prime Minister’s Office declared that until Arbel’s release is confirmed, the Netzarim Corridor will remain closed and Gazans will not be allowed to travel to northern Gaza. Israel is also coordinating with the US to exert pressure on Qatar to expedite Arbel’s release.
The situation concerning the release of civilian Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel (5) and Kfir (2), remains unclear. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari expressed deep concern for their welfare, stressing that Israel is “extremely concerned” about their well-being.
According to the agreement, living hostages are prioritized for release over deceased hostages.
{Matzav.com Israel}