An Irish-Israeli girl believed to have been killed by Hamas is now thought to be alive and among those held hostage in Gaza.
Emily Hand, 8, was reported to have been among more than 100 killed at Kibbutz Be’eri in the terror group’s deadly attacks on October 7 in Israel when more than 1,400 people died.
Her father Thomas Hand gave an interview in the aftermath saying it was “a blessing” that she was dead as he was terrified of how she would have been treated by Hamas.
But the family have since been told Emily, who was sleeping over at a friend’s house when the attack took place, may be alive and among those captured.
The Irish embassy in Israel confirmed that Emily was now believed to have been abducted rather than killed.
An official said tests had shown her DNA was not found among victims in Kibbutz Be’eri.
Israeli Defense Forces now believe there was a “high possibility” she was among the people being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
Emily’s older sister, Natalie Hand, told Israeli broadcaster Channel 12: "We were told that she had been murdered. We were in mourning.
“On October 31, they told us that it was highly likely that she had been abducted.”
She said she wanted to tell her sister: “we are doing everything to get you home. We know you are being held hostage. We love you so much and miss you.”
The IDF said 242 people were being held hostage by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Emily is believed to be being held along with her friend, and the friend’s mother.
Last month, Mr. Hand told the Irish Times: “She was a little angel and she actually looked like an angel. She was very, very sociable and she loved music.”
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was “aware of the case of Emily Hand and is providing consular assistance to her family”.
“We will not be commenting further at this time,” it added.
