Israeli-Irish Girl Previously Reported Dead Now Believed to Be Hamas Hostage in Gaza

Family regains hope as DNA tests and tracked cellphones suggest Emily Hand and others initially presumed dead may be alive and abducted by Hamas in Gaza.

Emily Hand, an 8-year-old Irish-Israeli girl initially reported dead in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, is now believed to likely be a hostage in Gaza. This belief is based on indications that her DNA was not found at the attack site and that cellphones of her friends are being traced to Gaza.
Emily was at a friend's house in Kibbutz Be'eri, three miles from Gaza, when the attack occurred. Along with her friend and her friend's mother, who were also reported killed initially, she is presumed to have been kidnapped.
Thousands of lives have been lost in the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict, with over 1,400 Israelis and more than 9,700 Palestinians reported killed. The Israeli Defense Forces estimate that 242 people are being held hostage by Hamas.
The Irish Embassy in Israel and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have confirmed their awareness of Emily Hand's case and are providing consular assistance to her family, but their capability of directly intervening is limited.
Despite the heavy loss and trauma, Emily's family has regained hope and is determined to do everything possible for her safe return. The family is appealing to the Irish government for help.