Palestinian Islamic Jihad Requests Release of 30 Palestinians for Israeli Hostage
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Synopsis
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement is urging Israel to release 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud. The movement confirms Yehud remains alive and is negotiating terms through international mediators. Tensions continue as Israel restricts the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza amidst ongoing ceasefire discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad demands the release of 30 prisoners.
- Israeli hostage Arbel Yehud is confirmed alive.
- Ceasefire negotiations involve international mediators.
- Israel's restrictions on Palestinian return to northern Gaza persist.
- Emotional reunions follow recent hostage exchanges.
Gaza, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement has called on the Israeli government to facilitate the release of 30 Palestinians in exchange for the Israeli female hostage Arbel Yehud.
Mohammed al-Hindi, the deputy secretary-general of the movement, informed Xinhua that they have communicated with international mediators, confirming that Yehud remains alive.
He mentioned that the movement is open to conditions that could be established through mediators, which include securing Yehud's release before the upcoming Saturday in trade for the 30 Palestinian prisoners, according to al-Hindi.
He accused Israel of attempting to hinder the ceasefire agreement, pointing out that Israel was expected to permit the return of Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip, which has yet to occur, as reported by Xinhua.
Al-Hindi stated that the matter is progressing towards resolution and that the movement is anticipating a tangible response from mediators regarding the return of the displaced individuals to northern Gaza.
On the previous Saturday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office declared that the return of Palestinian residents to their homes in northern Gaza would not be permitted at this time.
The announcement clarified that this restriction will remain until Arbel Yehud's release, who was expected to be freed on Saturday but was not included among the four Israelis released by Hamas.
Previously, Gaza witnessed a second hostage exchange where Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers in return for 200 Palestinian prisoners, marking the beginning of a six-week ceasefire initiated on January 19.
Moreover, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency confirmed that the four female Israeli soldiers held in Gaza returned to Israel after being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a neutral party that facilitated the secure execution of the exchange.
A video released by the IDF captured the emotional moment as the hostages reunited with their parents, shedding tears of joy.
