Tánaiste Micheál Martin has called for the immediate release of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand and all other hostages following news overnight of an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Following intense negotiations, Israel’s Cabinet agreed on Tuesday night to approve a deal for the release of hostages seized by Hamas in exchange for a pause in fighting.
Fighting will stop for four days to allow the release of 50 hostages. It is expected that those released will be women and children.
READ MORE: Government 'not given proof of life of Hamas hostages', Tánaiste confirms
This has led to hopes that nine-year-old Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand may be returned to her family. She was presumed dead following the Hamas strike on Israel on October 7 but it later transpired that her DNA was not found among the dead. It is now assumed that she is being held hostage by Hamas.
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday morning during a People Before Profit motion on Palestine, the Tánaiste called for the release of all hostages, including Emily.
"I would like to welcome the news breaking of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of some hostages held in Gaza and a limited truce," Mr Martin said.
"While details of what has been agreed and the timings are still emerging, this is an important and positive step and hopefully will facilitate the access to humanitarian assistance needed so urgently by the people of Gaza and return some of those held hostage by Hamas to their loved ones.
"Our focus in particular is on nine-year-old Irish citizen Emily Hand. I know deputies will understand if I do not go into details on Emily’s case.
"We have worked consistently for her release over recent weeks, including extensive contacts with regional partners.
"I want to take this chance to note that Ireland unreservedly condemns the practice of hostage-taking and appeals for the immediate release of all remaining hostages."
Mr Martin said that the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza must be prioritised, extend the ceasefire and "find a way to return to the negotiating table".
News of the Israel-Hamas agreement came just hours after the Tánaiste told reporters on Tuesday that the Red Cross or the Red Crescent had not been able to access the hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and Governments had received no "verification of proof of life" in relation to anyone being held by the group.
