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NEW DELHI: An 8-year-old Israeli-Irish girl thought to be dead was released on Saturday as part of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, the Hill reported.
Emily Hand was among the 17 hostages who were released to Israel on Saturday after 50 days of confinement.
The girl’s father, Thomas Hand was informed by the Israeli military that his daughter was killed, according to the Hill.
Hand reportedly said that his daughter was at a sleepover at Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel border settlements, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping about 240 more.
“The thought of a little eight-year-old child in the hands of those animals… Can you imagine the sheer horror for an 8-year-old child?” he said.
The military later informed Thomas Hand that there was a possibility his daughter might be alive weeks after the initial news.
“Emily has come back to us!” her family said in a statement. “We can’t find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days.”
“I am delighted that Emily Hand — a bright and beautiful young girl — has been released and will be reunited with her family,” Micheal Martin, Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, said in a statement.
Emily Hand was among the 17 hostages who were released to Israel on Saturday after 50 days of confinement.
The girl’s father, Thomas Hand was informed by the Israeli military that his daughter was killed, according to the Hill.
Hand reportedly said that his daughter was at a sleepover at Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel border settlements, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping about 240 more.
“The thought of a little eight-year-old child in the hands of those animals… Can you imagine the sheer horror for an 8-year-old child?” he said.
The military later informed Thomas Hand that there was a possibility his daughter might be alive weeks after the initial news.
“Emily has come back to us!” her family said in a statement. “We can’t find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days.”
“I am delighted that Emily Hand — a bright and beautiful young girl — has been released and will be reunited with her family,” Micheal Martin, Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, said in a statement.
Israel-Hamas update: Hamas hands over 13 Israeli captives to Red Cross
“After weeks of trauma, this is a precious and deeply moving moment for the Hand family. The people of Ireland have been touched by Emily’s story, her innocence and the quiet dignity and determination of her father, Tom.”
Emotional scenes as Hamas and Israel swap hostages and prisoners amid 4-day ceasefire
The release of the second wave of hostages was reportedly delayed after Hamas claimed Israel did not adequately supply humanitarian aid, as agreed.
However, later, the two sides struck a deal and the hostage deal and cease-fire continued.
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