Irish citizen Emily Hand (9) freed by Hamas after 50 days in captivity in Gaza

The Sunday World understands that Emily’s father Thomas Hand has confirmed to Irish officials that he has been told his daughter is among the 13 hostages released tonight and that he is now waiting for her.

Various media reports stated that after crossing the border to Egypt the hostages will be positively identified by Israeli security officials and flown by helicopter to a hospital in Israel.

She was tonight included in the second batch of Israelis to be released as part of a deal under which 50 Israeli children, mothers and elderly women are being released in four installments over a four-day period, during which a ceasefire is being observed in Gaza by both sides.

Emily was kidnapped on October 7 during the Hamas raid into Israel which killed 1,200 people. She was initially feared dead but Israeli intelligence later informed her father, Dublin native Thomas Hand, that she may be alive and in Gaza.

Confirming her release tonight, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said “I am delighted that Emily Hand – a bright and beautiful girl – has been released and will be reunited with her family.”

Father calls for proof of life of Irish-Israeli 9-year-old daughter taken by Hamas

“After weeks of trauma, this is a precious and deeply moving moment or 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.”

Mr Martin added: “I want to acknowledge the role played the US, Qatar, Eygpt and others that have been involved in securing the release of the hostages.

“I am conscious today that many more hostages remain in the hands o Hamas. I reiterate my call that all hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described it as “a day of enormous joy and relief for Emily Hand and her family”.

"An innocent child who was lost has now been found and returned, and our country breathes a massive sigh of relief. Our prayers have been answered.

A little girl was snatched from her home and held captive for almost seven weeks. She spent her ninth birthday as a hostage. We hope she will soon heal and recover from the traumatic experience in the loving embrace of her family.

For her family, these seven weeks have been a slow and cruel torture. We all recall the initial response from her father Tom Hand – the painful grief mixed with relief with the mistaken belief that his daughter had not been taken hostage, which turned into an ember of hope when it was discovered she was still alive. Throughout all these different emotions his love has been constant.”

Mr Varadkar added: “Emily now returns to her family, but we cannot forget that many more hostages remain in captivity in Gaza. Their fate is unknown, but we hope that like Emily, they will also be allowed to return to their homes and their families. We think of all the families suffering in this troubled region, and we redouble our efforts to work for a permanent ceasefire, and for a just and lasting peace.”

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald welcomed confirmation of Emily's release.

She said: “I welcome confirmation that Emily Hand has been released. The trauma and heartbreak that little Emily and her family have been subjected to over the last number of weeks is unimaginable.

“I reiterate my call that all hostages be released urgently and for an immediate full ceasefire to be in place. Ireland must continue to be a voice for peaceful dialogue on the international stage.”

Qatari and Egyptian mediators earlier said Hamas had agreed to release 13 Israelis and seven foreign nationals on Saturday in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The announcement came after Hamas delayed the releases for several hours, saying Israel had violated the terms of a truce deal that had set the stage for such swaps.

Earlier, Egyptian security sources had said they had received the names of 14 Israeli women and children from Hamas and were waiting for more details.

Among the Israelis freed on Friday after almost 50 days in captivity in Gaza was nine-year-old Ohad Munder, who ran down a hospital corridor in Israel into his father's open arms, footage released by the hospital showed.

He and three other children released at the same time were in relatively good condition, Gilat Livni, the centre's Director of Paediatrics told reporters.

Israel's government and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the release of the 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

Officials from Qatar, which has been mediating secret negotiations, as well as the U.S., Israel and Hamas had been for days been saying a deal was imminent.

A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said 50 women and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a pause in fighting.

Emily, who turned nine last week, was reported to be among the hostages but was not in the first group of people released.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had said the nine-year-old could soon be free as a result of the hostage agreement.

“We are particularly pursuing the case of Emily Hand, a young Irish-Israeli girl who we believe has been held hostage in Gaza by Hamas,” Mr Varadkar told Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil.

"We're pushing, and using all our contacts and abilities, to ensure that that Emily Hand is along one of those to be released. That’s a major priority for us.

“And we're very strongly of the view that hostages should never be taken by anyone, in any conflict, anywhere, ever.”