We will 'leave no stone unturned,' Micheál Martin tells Emily Hand's father

Emily Hand. Photo: Sky News

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said his department will "leave no stone unturned" in their efforts to return Emily Hand to her family.

Emily, who turns nine on Friday, was originally feared dead after the Hamas assault on Kibbutz Be'eri in Israel on October 7.

However, last week her family was informed she may still be alive—with the belief that she is being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Mr Martin met with Emily's father Thomas on Tuesday afternoon as well as families of other hostages.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin meeting with families of those being held hostage in Gaza, Picture: DFA

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Thomas Hand this afternoon.

"Everyone in Ireland feels the deepest sympathy for Thomas and all the Hand family, given the horrific and traumatic ordeal they are currently experiencing.

This brilliant and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately.

"My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome."

Mr Martin said that Government officials had been engaging "intensively" through a number of channels in an attempt to secure her safe return.

He said that he will be raising her case in all appropriate meetings when he begins his visit to Israel, Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory later this week.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin meeting with Thomas Hand, father of Emily Hand. Picture: DFA

He added: "All our thoughts are with Emily and her family at this profoundly difficult time. All hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally."

In Israel, he will hold discussions with foreign minister Eli Cohen and hopes to also visit the south of Israel and the communities that were devastated by the October 7 attacks.

He is scheduled to meet with foreign minister Malki in the occupied Palestinian territory and also hopes to see Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas.