25 Irish citizens permitted to leave Gaza today as many cross border into Egypt

Micheál Martin said his department will 'leave no stone unturned' in pursuing the release of Emily Hand. Picture: Yael Shahrur Noah/AP

There were 25 Irish citizens and dependents permitted to leave Gaza today.

It is understood that 20 people had already arrived in Egypt at the time of going to print, with the remaining five currently being processed at the border.

This brings the total number of Irish citizens who have received permission to cross the Rafah crossing in recent days to 51.

In a statement, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the Government would “continue to work consistently with the relevant authorities on additional cases where these arise and to assist in instances where other Irish citizens and dependents wish to exit Gaza”.

I am conscious that many of those who left Gaza over the last few days have been deeply traumatised by their experience. As they return to Ireland in the coming days, they will need all of our support as they begin to restart their lives.

“I also remain deeply concerned about the situation of hostages in Gaza, and call for their immediate and unconditional release.

“Today, Emily Hand will turn nine. This loving and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately. My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome.”

Anna Byrne, cousin of Emily Hand's father Tom, at the entrance to St Stephen's Green in Dublin to mark Emily's birthday. Picture: David Young/PA

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that he spoke with the President of the International Red Cross about Emily Hand, as part of efforts to secure her release.

“Just to see if there's anything that can be done to get more information about her whereabouts, about what condition she's in, whether she's safe, and to see if there's anything we can do to facilitate her release,” Mr Varadkar said.

Earlier today, the Israeli community in Ireland held a birthday party in honour of Emily Hand, who remains missing following the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Speaking at the vigil, Anna Byrne, a cousin of Emily's father Thomas Hand, said it was a sad day.

“It is quite sad because we [the family] were hoping to have her home for her birthday. We don’t know what kind of birthday she’s having,” Ms Byrne said.

We’re keeping positive and just praying and hoping… that is the thing that’s keeping us all going, the positivity that we’re going to see Emily.

Earlier today, the Tánaiste defended his visit to the Middle East, saying that he had been “shocked” at criticism that he received on social media.

A birthday spread on a table at the entrance to St Stephen's Green for Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand. Picture: David Young/PA Wire

“I was a bit shocked about it actually. I think that it is a reminder that we need to create a context for genuine debate and discussion,” Mr Martin said.

“Some of the black and white simplistic vitriol that I looked at myself last evening I just couldn’t believe.

“It is very important in situations like this that we seek to understand where people are coming from. If you don’t understand that, you have very little chance of making a meaningful contribution to resolving issues. And that is our objective, to contribute to the resolution of issues."

Efforts to evacuate the remaining Irish citizens come as the Israeli Defence Forces continue to search Gaza’s largest hospital for signs of a Hamas command centre, which the army alleges is underneath the building.

One Cork TD, Fine Gael’s Colm Burke, has heavily criticised Israel’s actions, labelling them as “equivalent to state terrorism”.

There are powerful voices in Israel including prime minister Netanyahu calling for vengeance and the elimination of Hamas. 

"Other Israeli politicians are advocating the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza and from the West Bank,” Mr Burke said.

“There will be no peace or security for Israelis without peace and security for Palestinians.”