Tom Hand ‘ashamed’ after Govt’s Palestine recognition

Tom Hand, the father of an Irish-Israeli girl was who kidnapped by Hamas in October last year, has strongly criticised the Government for its recognition of the State of Palestine.

Emily Hand, a dual Irish-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped by Hamas militants during the 7 October attack, and held as a hostage in Gaza for 50 days. Emily was released in November.

Mr Hand, who is originally from Dublin, has said that Ireland was instrumental in the release of his daughter.

However he feels that Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state is a step which rewards Hamas.

“I’ve been a very proud Irishman all my life. I advertise the fact, I tell people, yes, I’m Irish and so on,” he told Reuters.

“I’m not so proud any more. I’m actually embarrassed, ashamed, to call myself Irish now.

“After what’s happened to Emily, and they (Irish authorities) were integral in the whole process of it (Emily’s return), okay, she’s only an individual, but she was, is, an Irish citizen, and then knowing everything, knowing everything that Hamas has done, I’m sure they’ve seen the videos of their go-pros, they’ve seen all the evidence.

“Uh, okay, here is your reward then, for absolute violence. Here’s your reward – we recognise you as a state. Nice one.”

Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, formally recognised the State of Palestine last month in what the Taoiseach said was “an act of powerful, political and symbolic value”.

The decision meant that the Government recognises Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, and has agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

Mr Hand said: “I don’t mind pro-Palestine, but when you’re pro-Hamas – that’s a different ballgame. Really? You’re supporting that? Those three countries, they’re basically showing support for that. It’s wrong.”

Despite the trauma of being seized by Hamas gunmen and held hostage in dire conditions, Mr Hand is encouraged by the progress his daughter has made.

He tries to provide a sense of normalcy for Emily, and says that, despite one or two triggers, she is on track for a full recovery.

Mr Hand said he was heartened by the support provided by members of the public, organisations and government agencies.

The release of Emily Hand last November came as part of a negotiated agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by international mediators.

Under the deal, a temporary cessation of hostilities allowed the release of more than 100 Israeli and foreign national hostages.

However, nearly half of the hostages kidnapped on 7 October remain held, alive or dead, in Gaza.

Recent efforts to broker another deal to release them have failed.