Thomas Hand reports that his daughter Emily is on track for a full recovery following her release from Hamas captivity in November.

Now living in temporary accommodations in the desert above the Dead Sea, nine-year-old Emily Hand and her father Thomas are gradually recovering from an ordeal that drastically changed their lives amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Emily, who holds dual Irish-Israeli citizenship, was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7 and spent about 50 distressing days in captivity in Gaza until her release on November 26.

Since reuniting with her father, Dublin-born Thomas Hand, they have been moving between temporary accommodations, carrying only a few belongings and their family dog.

Hand credits his native Ireland for playing a crucial role in Emily’s release but criticizes the Irish government’s recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that it rewards Hamas for their actions.

Regarding the resolution of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began with the October 7 massacre, Hand states, “All they [Hamas] have to do is hand over the hostages and the war is over.”