Published: 10:37pm, 16 Oct 2025Updated: 10:45pm, 16 Oct 2025
A former Israeli hostage said on Thursday that all Gaza captives could have returned home “a long time ago”, as relatives of newly released hostages described the torment endured by their loved ones.
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Arbel Yehud was held in captivity for nearly 500 days before being freed earlier this year under a previous Gaza truce.
She spoke on Thursday at a press conference alongside families of newly freed hostages, including her partner Ariel Cunio, released this week along with the remaining living captives.
“We could have brought them back a long time ago,” Yehud said.
She said the deal that was brokered by US President Donald Trump could have been struck earlier, in turn saving the lives of more hostages.
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“While we are here, fortunate to embrace our loved ones, there are dozens of families that never will,” Yehud said.