Nine-year-old Irish girl Emily Hand has been released as part of a hostage situation after being held by Hamas for 50 days, The Irish Times reports.
Emily, an Irish-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped during Hamas’ invasion of Israel on October 7, during which some 240 prisoners were returned to Gaza.
She was among at least 30 children believed to still be held in the besieged enclave.
Nine-year-old Irish girl Emily Hand (pictured) has been released as part of a hostage situation after being held by Hamas for 50 days, The Irish Times reports.
Thomas Hand, father of nine-year-old Emily Hand, cries during a news conference of hostage families at the Israeli embassy in London on November 20, 2023
A woman holds leaflets with the image of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand, believed to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, November 17, 2023
Her father previously spoke of his fear that his daughter would not be released as part of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“Until I see Emily’s blue eyes looking into mine, I won’t allow myself to believe anything,” the Dublin dad, 63, wrote in The Independent on Wednesday.
“The news that fifty Hamas hostages could soon be released as part of a four-day truce has given me a glimmer of hope,” he wrote, “but also a new sickness in the pit of my stomach. What if Emily isn’t among those who send her attackers home?’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.