Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald this morning met with Tom Hand and his daughter Natali and said “The trauma and heartbreak being endured by this family is unbearable”
Ms. McDonald said:
“Irish citizen Emily Hand has been held hostage by Hamas since October 7th. This morning I met with her father Tom and her sister Natali. They have come to Ireland as part of their ongoing appeal for the release of eight year old Emily.
“The trauma and heartbreak being endured by this family is unbearable. I reiterate my condemnation of the taking of hostages and again reiterate our clear demand that hostages be released immediately.
“Emily will have her ninth birthday on Friday. She should be celebrating that birthday with her father, sister, brother and wider family.
“Ireland must make every effort and use every political and diplomatic channel to secure Emily’s release and that of all hostages. Full ceasefires must be called. ”
