"9-Year-Old Irish-Israeli Girl Freed by Hamas"

An Irish-Israeli girl of nine years was liberated by Hamas on Saturday, as confirmed by the Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar. "Today is a joyful and relieving day for Emily Hand and her family," he expressed, acknowledging the answered prayers for her safe return.

Emily was among roughly 240 abductees taken by Hamas during an October 7 incursion into Israel from Gaza, resulting in around 1,200 casualties including Israelis and foreigners. Post the most lethal attack Israel has experienced, it initiated a comprehensive military response against Hamas leading to nearly 15,000 fatalities, mainly among civilians with many children, per Hamas-run Gaza reports.

Following an agreement, Hamas freed a second batch of hostages, including Israelis and foreign nationals, in return for Palestinian detainees. Israel confirmed the repatriation of 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals after a tense, delayed exchange.

Detained during her ninth birthday, Emily's father, Thomas Hand who emigrated from Ireland to Israel, feared her death post-attack but later received reports of her abduction into Gaza.

Prime Minister Varadkar expressed his wishes for Emily's recovery and reunion with her family, while also reminding that more hostages still remain captive in Gaza, whose return home is hoped for.