Current:Home > BackEmily Hand, Israeli-Irish 9-year-old girl who was believed killed by Hamas, among hostages freed from Gaza-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Emily Hand, Israeli-Irish 9-year-old girl who was believed killed by Hamas, among hostages freed from Gaza
View Date:2024-12-23 20:51:21
Emily Hand — the Israeli-Irish 9-year-old girl who was initially believed to have been killed by Hamas — was among the 17 hostages freed from Gaza on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
She was released with the second batch of hostages – 13 Israelis and four Thai Nationals – after an initial hostage release on Friday, the first day of the temporary cease-fire.
Emily was among seven children ranging from 3 to 16, and six women ranging in age from 18 to 67, who were released in the second batch, the prime minister's office announced.
Emily, who was 8 years old when she was abducted by Hamas during their Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel, was initially believed to be killed by the militant group. She celebrated her ninth birthday on Nov. 17 in captivity in Gaza.
Her father, Thomas Hand, told CBS News two days before his daughter's birthday, "The sad thing about it is, she won't even know what day it is. She won't know whether it's night or day. She won't even though it's her birthday."
Hand said that his little girl was at a sleepover at a friend's house at Kibbutz Be'eri when the massacre took place. Israel said more than 100 people were killed in that community alone, among the more than 1,200 who were killed in the Hamas attack.
At the time, her father, an Irish national who is not Jewish and moved to Israel as a kibbutz volunteer three decades ago, was told by Israeli officials that his daughter had been killed. Hand told CBS News at first he was informed "she was found dead."
At the time, Hand told CNN he was relieved by the knowledge that Emily was at least not in Hamas' hands.
"The thought of a little eight-year-old child in the hands of those animals... Can you imagine the sheer horror for an 8-year-old child?"
A few weeks later, however, Israeli authorities told Hand his daughter might be alive, as they didn't find her remains at Kibbutz Be'eri.
Hand was filled with hope. He pressed governments around the world not to give up on the hostage release.
"It doesn't matter how sick I am. It doesn't matter how tired I am. We are going to get her back," he told CBS News.
Emily has now been reunited with her family after 50 days in captivity in Gaza. In a statement to CBS News Saturday, her family said, "Emily has come back to us! We can't find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days."
They added that while they are "overjoyed to embrace Emily again," at the same time they remember "all the hostages who have yet to return."
"We appreciate the unwavering support as we continue our efforts for the safe return of all," the statement read.
— Elaine Cobbe and Analisa Novak contributed to this report.
- In:
- War
- Hostage Situation
- Hamas
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]
veryGood! (8)
Related
- New Orleans marks with parade the 64th anniversary of 4 little girls integrating city schools
- Every Time Kelly Osbourne Was Honest AF About Motherhood
- Jurors hear opposite views of whether Backpage founder knew the site was running sex ads
- NYC protesters demand Israeli cease-fire, at least 200 detained after filling Grand Central station
- Digital Finance Research Institute Introduce
- Mainers See Climate Promise in Ballot Initiative to Create a Statewide Nonprofit Electric Utility
- Power to the people? Only half have the right to propose and pass laws
- Father of 3, victim of mass shooting at Lewiston bar, described by family as a great dad
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- A spider web of Hamas tunnels in Gaza Strip raises risks for an Israeli ground offensive
Ranking
- 'Gladiator 2' review: Yes, we are entertained again by outrageous sequel
- AP PHOTOS: Scenes of sorrow and despair on both sides of Israel-Gaza border on week 3 of war
- Detroit Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson says he's officially changing his name to Ceedy Duce
- Taylor Swift is a billionaire: How Eras tour, concert film helped make her first billion
- Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
- You'll soon be able to microwave your ramen: Cup Noodles switching to paper cups in 2024
- Booze free frights: How to make Witches Brew Punch and other Halloween mocktails
- Many Americans say they're spending more than they earn, dimming their financial outlooks, poll shows
Recommendation
-
Texas now tops in SEC? Miami in trouble? Five overreactions to college football Week 11
-
2 pro golfers suspended for betting on PGA Tour events
-
Watch as injured bald eagle is released back into Virginia wild after a year of treatment
-
Manhunt for Maine mass shooting suspect continues as details on victims emerge
-
Glen Powell responds to rumor that he could replace Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible'
-
García’s HR in 11th, Seager’s tying shot in 9th rally Rangers past D-backs 6-5 in Series opener
-
Rep. George Santos pleads not guilty to latest federal charges
-
Devoted youth bowling coach. 'Hero' bar manager. Families remember Maine shooting victims