![]() Higgins said: “The release of Emily Hand brings to an end what has been a horrific time for all of her family. President Michael D Higgins, who earlier this month met with the Hand family and families of others who have been held hostage in 7 October, has said he hopes Emily can now “despite all that she has endured, enjoy a happy and fulfilling life”. The transfer – which had been delayed after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, claims denied by Israeli officials – took place “in the context of the humanitarian pause”, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in statement. The armed wing of Hamas said this evening that it had handed over 13 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross under the terms of an agreement with Israel, along with an additional seven foreign citizens. Most of those held hostage were taken during the 7 October attacks in which 1,200 Israelis were killed.Īlmost 50 days since she was taken hostage, Emily has been reunited with family in Israel. Thomas Hand holding Emily Hand after both were reunited upon Emily's release last night. ![]() Images released by the Israeli Defence Forces show that Emily has since been reunited with her father, who greeted her with a big hug. The family are planning to give the young girl – who spent her ninth birthday in captivity – “the best birthday party she never had”. Thomas Hand added that he is looking forward to giving Emily a “huge hug” and told the newspaper that her beloved dog Johnsie and cuddly toys were waiting to greet her when she is released to the family. Thomas was initially told she had died in the attack.įifty of the 241 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are to be released, under the terms of a ceasefire deal. “My Emily is coming home at last, broken but in one piece,” he added.Įmily (in pink) and other hostages reunited with their families last night.Įmily had been on a sleepover in the Kibbutz Be’eri where she lived, when it was raided by Hamas last month. Every day has been a long and painful living nightmare.” In a message he said: “We have been waiting for far too long for this moment. Thomas Hand, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, spoke to the Daily Mirror newspaper after the news of Irish-Israeli Emily’s release last night. THE FATHER OF nine-year-old Emily Hand, who was released last night after being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for almost 50 days, has been reunited with is daughter.
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