Latest news with #ArbelYehoud
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
600 days of captivity and war: Israel's unyielding call to bring every hostage home
At a Wednesday morning press gathering in Tel Aviv, representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum delivered heartfelt statements to the media. May marks a grim and unthinkable milestone: 600 days since 58 Israeli hostages were abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, and remain held captive in Gaza. As the days stretch on, survivors of captivity and families of the missing are joining in a unified, urgent call to leaders in Israel and around the world to keep the door to freedom open — until every single hostage returns home. At a Wednesday morning press gathering in Tel Aviv, representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum delivered heartfelt statements to the media, reflecting the anguish and unwavering hope that defines their daily lives. Survivors and their families Their message was clear: the people of Israel stand united in demanding the safe return of all hostages — the living for rehabilitation, the deceased for dignified burial. Arbel Yehoud, a captivity survivor and girlfriend of abductee Ariel Cunio, spoke of the trauma and ongoing uncertainty she faces, having been forcibly separated from Ariel mere hours after their joint abduction. 'I haven't seen him since. I haven't heard from him. The anxiety about his fate never leaves me,' she said. 'I was there. I know exactly what they're going through. Every hostage, living and deceased, is just one decision away from freedom,' she continued. 'President Trump opened the door, and Edan Alexander walked through it. That door must remain open until everyone passes through.' Her words echo a broader sentiment: while a few hostages have been released through complex negotiations, many more remain trapped underground, enduring torture and deprivation. The families' pain was echoed by Ofri Bibas, sister of captivity survivor Yarden Bibas, whose family suffered multiple abductions on that fateful day. 'From an entire family, only Yarden came back,' she lamented. 'President Trump, you helped bring my brother and many others home. We're pleading with you to do everything to complete the mission.' Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest, addressed the country with a mother's raw heartache: 'Imagine knowing you gave your most precious gift to defend the homeland, and yet you remain abandoned and forgotten. We refuse to become a society that learns to live with suffering brothers in captivity and murdered ones who disappear forever.' Luis Har, a captivity survivor, shared his renewed purpose since rescue: 'I live with only one mission—to bring all hostages home, to support the families, and to stand together as one big family.' The unified call is not only emotional but carries the weight of national healing. Yocheved Lifshitz, another survivor, underscored this: 'The hostages are the key to national healing. There is national agreement across political lines and sectors. Time is running out, the world is watching, and history will remember.' In a Tuesday night forum ahead of the 600th day, Keith Siegel, a survivor who spent 484 days in captivity and witnessed unspeakable violence, shared his ongoing struggle with recovery, haunted by the knowledge that four former cellmates remain imprisoned. 'It is very hard to deal with. They deserve to be brought back as I was,' he said, urging global leaders to secure a deal for all hostages. Ayelet Samerano, mother of hostage Yonatan Samerano, recounted the trauma of her son's abduction from a music festival. '600 days is unimaginable. We don't know if he is alive or dead. We ask the US and Israeli governments to work together. We need to finish this war for both sides.' Dalia Cusnir Horn painfully described life with one brother returned and one still captive. '600 days is one more horrible, painful experience every day. Humanity and democratic countries all failed them. We need to fix this. The key is to let the hostages go.' The survivors and families implore leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, current US administration officials like Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to intensify efforts to secure the release of all hostages and bring closure to a national wound that transcends politics. This solemn milestone is more than just a passage of time—it is a testament to resilience, a plea for justice, and a demand for humanity. The message is unanimous and urgent: no one is free until all are free.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AP photos capture a day of wrenching emotion as Israel and Hamas release hostages and prisoners
JERUSALEM (AP) — It was a day of wrenching emotions: Relief, joy, anger and trauma all spilled out as Hamas released a new round of hostages and Israel freed more Palestinians from its prisons. In the latest in the series of exchanges under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal Thursday, three Israeli hostages, five Thai workers who had also been held captive by militants in Gaza and 110 Palestinians were freed. Friends of Arbel Yehoud gripped each other's hands, tears in their eyes, as they gathered at a home in southern Israel to watch on TV as the 29-year-old emerged surrounded by masked Hamas fighters with their green headbands and automatic rifles. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. After more than 470 days of captivity, Yehoud looked stunned, surrounded by a giant crowd of Palestinians in the ruins of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis gathered to witness her handover. The fighters marched her through the crowd to vehicles of the Red Cross. The scenes were similar as militants freed Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20. Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has turned each round of hostage releases into a combination of spectacle and ceremony with large crowds, flags and stages. For the militants, it's a chance to show off their survival as a fighting force to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to highlight the devastation wreaked by Israel in Gaza during its 15-month campaign of retaliation over the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in which the hostages were snatched. But the images of hostages being led through the crowds have unnerved and angered Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the 'shocking scenes' and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases — a commitment he said he later received. For more than 15 months, Israelis have been riveted by the ordeals of the hostages. Each release has brought an outpouring of relief, intertwined with frustration and sorrow over the dozens who remain captive. For Palestinians, the releases of those imprisoned by Israel bring an end to years of separation. Palestinians view the prisoners released as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of their land. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a cheering crowd lifted Zakaria Zubeidi onto their shoulders after his release. Zubeidi thrilled Palestinians – and stunned the Israeli security establishment – with a dramatic jailbreak alongside other prisoners in 2021, though they were all soon recaptured. Zubeidi once headed an armed militia and was imprisoned in the early 2000s for attacks on Israelis. After serving his time, he said he set aside militancy for political activism and opened a theater for 'cultural resistance' in the Jenin refugee camp. Israel arrested him again in 2019 for alleged involvement in attacks on settlers, though in the six years since he was not tried. Those released included 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis, all but seven of whom were immediately sent into exile.
Associated Press
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
AP photos capture a day of wrenching emotion as Israel and Hamas release hostages and prisoners
JERUSALEM (AP) — It was a day of wrenching emotions: Relief, joy, anger and trauma all spilled out as Hamas released a new round of hostages and Israel freed more Palestinians from its prisons. In the latest in the series of exchanges under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal Thursday, three Israeli hostages, five Thai workers who had also been held captive by militants in Gaza and 110 Palestinians were freed. Friends of Arbel Yehoud gripped each other's hands, tears in their eyes, as they gathered at a home in southern Israel to watch on TV as the 29-year-old emerged surrounded by masked Hamas fighters with their green headbands and automatic rifles. After more than 470 days of captivity, Yehoud looked stunned, surrounded by a giant crowd of Palestinians in the ruins of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis gathered to witness her handover. The fighters marched her through the crowd to vehicles of the Red Cross. The scenes were similar as militants freed Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20. Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has turned each round of hostage releases into a combination of spectacle and ceremony with large crowds, flags and stages. For the militants, it's a chance to show off their survival as a fighting force to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to highlight the devastation wreaked by Israel in Gaza during its 15-month campaign of retaliation over the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in which the hostages were snatched. But the images of hostages being led through the crowds have unnerved and angered Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the 'shocking scenes' and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases — a commitment he said he later received. For more than 15 months, Israelis have been riveted by the ordeals of the hostages. Each release has brought an outpouring of relief, intertwined with frustration and sorrow over the dozens who remain captive. For Palestinians, the releases of those imprisoned by Israel bring an end to years of separation. Palestinians view the prisoners released as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of their land. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a cheering crowd lifted Zakaria Zubeidi onto their shoulders after his release. Zubeidi thrilled Palestinians – and stunned the Israeli security establishment – with a dramatic jailbreak alongside other prisoners in 2021, though they were all soon recaptured. Zubeidi once headed an armed militia and was imprisoned in the early 2000s for attacks on Israelis. After serving his time, he said he set aside militancy for political activism and opened a theater for 'cultural resistance' in the Jenin refugee camp. Israel arrested him again in 2019 for alleged involvement in attacks on settlers, though in the six years since he was not tried. Those released included 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis, all but seven of whom were immediately sent into exile.
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
AP photos capture a day of wrenching emotion as Israel and Hamas release hostages and prisoners
It was a day of wrenching emotions: Relief, joy, anger and trauma all spilled out as Hamas released a new round of hostages and Israel freed more Palestinians from its prisons. In the latest in the series of exchanges under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal Thursday, three Israeli hostages, five Thai workers who had also been held captive by militants in Gaza and 110 Palestinians were freed. Friends of Arbel Yehoud gripped each other's hands, tears in their eyes, as they gathered at a home in southern Israel to watch on TV as the 29-year-old emerged surrounded by masked Hamas fighters with their green headbands and automatic rifles. After more than 470 days of captivity, Yehoud looked stunned, surrounded by a giant crowd of Palestinians in the ruins of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis gathered to witness her handover. The fighters marched her through the crowd to vehicles of the Red Cross. The scenes were similar as militants freed Gadi Moses, an 80-year-old man, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20. Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has turned each round of hostage releases into a combination of spectacle and ceremony with large crowds, flags and stages. For the militants, it's a chance to show off their survival as a fighting force to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to highlight the devastation wreaked by Israel in Gaza during its 15-month campaign of retaliation over the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in which the hostages were snatched. But the images of hostages being led through the crowds have unnerved and angered Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the 'shocking scenes' and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases — a commitment he said he later received. For more than 15 months, Israelis have been riveted by the ordeals of the hostages. Each release has brought an outpouring of relief, intertwined with frustration and sorrow over the dozens who remain captive. For Palestinians, the releases of those imprisoned by Israel bring an end to years of separation. Palestinians view the prisoners released as heroes who have sacrificed for the cause of ending Israel's decades-long occupation of their land. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a cheering crowd lifted Zakaria Zubeidi onto their shoulders after his release. Zubeidi thrilled Palestinians – and stunned the Israeli security establishment – with a dramatic jailbreak alongside other prisoners in 2021, though they were all soon recaptured. Zubeidi once headed an armed militia and was imprisoned in the early 2000s for attacks on Israelis. After serving his time, he said he set aside militancy for political activism and opened a theater for 'cultural resistance' in the Jenin refugee camp. Israel arrested him again in 2019 for alleged involvement in attacks on settlers, though in the six years since he was not tried. Those released included 30 serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis, all but seven of whom were immediately sent into exile.
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Thai families celebrate as hostages freed in Gaza: 'I'm going to give him a hug'
Thailand's prime minister said her government was working with Israel to ensure the Thai hostages freed by Hamas as part of an ongoing ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal were reunited with their families at the earliest. Israel's military confirmed that three Israeli hostages – Gadi Moses, 80, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20 – had been handed over along with Thai citizens Pongsak Thaenna, 36, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Bannawat Seathao, 27, and Surasak Rumnao, 32. One Thai hostage was still unaccounted for. 'The Thai government and everyone here in Thailand have long been waiting for this very moment,' Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on social media. 'I hold on to my hope that the remaining Thai national will be released and returned to us safely and speedily.' The families of the Thai hostages reacted with tears and celebrations on hearing the news of their release. Mr Rumnao, who was taken from Yesha in southern Israel during the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, appeared pale and swollen on Thursday, his mother Khammee Lamnao said. 'I was so happy that I could not eat anything,' she told the Associated Press in a video call. Mr Thaenna's father, Wilas Thaenna, wept upon hearing his son had been freed. He had barely slept the night before from excitement. 'When I see him, I'm going to give him a hug and tell him to come home,' he told the BBC. Mr Suwannakham's sister Sirinna said her family clung to hope throughout his time in captivity. 'If he had died, we would have had a body to hold a ceremony,' she said. Instead, they chose to believe he was still alive. There were 31 Thai citizens among the nearly 250 people abducted by Hamas fighters during the 2023 attack, making them the largest group of foreign hostages. Most were agricultural workers who lived in remote compounds on the outskirts of kibbutzim and towns which were among the first areas to be overrun. Twenty three of them were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023, in a deal negotiated by Thailand with the support of Qatar and Iran. According to Thailand's foreign ministry, 46 Thai citizens working in Israel have been killed in the conflict so far. Two of them were killed in the 2023 attack and their bodies were taken to Gaza. Thailand's ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, arranged video calls between the freed hostages and their relatives back home. She described the calls as incredibly emotional, filled with cries of joy and tears. She said it was one of the happiest days of her life to witness their release, especially as it came just a week before the end of her five-year term. Alex Gandler, deputy spokesperson for the Israeli foreign ministry, said his country will recognise the released Thai hostages as victims of terrorism, a designation that grants them access to financial benefits and healthcare. The handover of the Israeli and Thai hostages in Khan Younis in southern Gaza was marked by chaotic scenes as a crowd surged towards the group, despite the presence of heavily armed militants escorting them. The commotion caused delays in their transfer to Red Cross vehicles. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the 'shocking scenes' and suspended the planned release of Palestinian prisoners until mediators could guarantee the safe and orderly transfer of hostages in future exchanges. However, the prisoner release resumed after a brief delay and buses carrying the freed Palestinian detainees arrived in Ramallah later in the day. Many Thai workers in Israel come from economically disadvantaged regions of Thailand, attracted by higher wages. Before the 7 October 2023 attack, there were around 30,000 Thai nationals in the West Asian country. While some returned home after the war broke out, the promise of better pay has continued to bring new workers to Israel, where their earnings far exceed those of jobs back in Thailand, Associated Press reported.
