The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, released a video on Monday featuring captured Israeli soldier Arbel Yehud. Yehud appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for assurances that the terms of the ceasefire agreement—which includes her release and the freedom of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel—will be honored.

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In the video, Yehud expressed her desire to return home safely, referencing previous exchanges where female prisoners were freed under similar agreements.

According to Mohammed Al-Hajj Musa, a spokesperson for Islamic Jihad, Yehud is set to be released by Saturday as part of a Qatar-mediated agreement. The plan includes the release of five additional Israeli prisoners, with three—including Yehud—scheduled to return on Friday, and two more on Saturday.

The agreement is part of the broader ceasefire deal signed on January 15, 2025, between Hamas and Israel. This truce stipulates the release of women soldiers and Palestinian prisoners. A resistance leader also revealed to Al Mayadeen that an agreement has been reached to free Yehud in exchange for 30 Palestinian detainees.

Israel has cited concerns about security in northern Gaza, using the unresolved status of Yehud’s release as justification for delaying the return of displaced Gazans to the region. Meanwhile, Hamas has reaffirmed that Yehud is alive and that the necessary guarantees for her release have been provided, accusing Israel of intentionally prolonging negotiations.

This prisoner exchange is set against the backdrop of fragile ceasefire efforts, with both sides grappling with distrust and ongoing violations of agreed terms.

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