Foreign News

Hamas releases 9-year-old Irish girl, thought dead, among others

  • By Tunde
  • November 26, 2023
  • 1 minute read
  • 363 Views
  • 12 months ago

9-year-old Emily Hand,

A 9-year-old girl, initially thought to have died, is among 17 hostages freed by Hamas as part of a temporary cease-fire on Saturday.

9-year-old Emily Hand among 20 hostages released by Hama's on Saturday

Hamad reportedly held Irish Israeli citizen, Emily Hand, hostage for seven weeks after the Oct. 7 attack on Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel.

Martins said he was delighted as Emily Hand returned on Saturday.

“The people of Ireland have been touched by Emily’s story. This is so, considering her innocence, quiet dignity and determination of her father, Tom.”

Hand is one of 17 hostages; 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals; released by Hamas on Saturday. This was in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners as part of a four-day cease-fire agreement.

When Hamas captured Hand during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, her father Tom initially said it was a “blessing” that his daughter may have died.

But he walked back those remarks after realising she may be alive.

Irish Foreign Minister, Michael Martins, said he was delighted as Emily Hand returned on Saturday.

Those that Hamas released, so far till Saturday, are Danielle Alloni, 44 and her daughter, Amelia 5; Yaffa Adar, 85; Ohàn Munder, 9; Keren Munda, 54; Ruth Munda, 78 and Margalit Mozes, 77.

Also released are Alma Or, 13; Emily Hand, 9; Hila Rotem, 12; Noam Avigdori, 12; Sharon Avigdori, 52; Shoshan Haran, 67; Adi Shoham, 38; Yahel Shoham,3; Naveh Shoham, 8; Shiri Weiss, 53; Noga Weiss, 18 and  Maya Regev, 21.

Four Thai citizens who also gained freedom are Natthaphon Onkaew, Khomkrit Chombua, Anucha Angkaew and Manee Jirachat. (New York Post)

 

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