The eight-year-old daughter of an Irish man thought to have been murdered by Hamas is now believed to be alive and being held hostage in Gaza.
Reports on Sunday night suggested that the family of Emily Hand were told by Israeli authorities five days ago that she is still alive.
It comes weeks after her father Thomas Hand, originally from Dún Laoghaire in Co Dublin broke down in tears as he described his relief that his daughter had been murdered by Hamas gunmen, rather than being taken hostage.
Mr Hand said "death was a blessing" after learning that Emily had been killed when militants stormed their kibbutz near Gaza on October 7.
The devastated father told CNN in an emotional interview of how he believed the alternative outcome of his daughter being captured and taken hostage was "worse than death".
He later said he was still awaiting the return of Emily's body.
But reports have emerged that Emily's family have been informed by Israeli authorities that she is still alive.
Read more:
Hamas attack in Israel: Irish man Thomas Hand tells of how he has been unable to bury daughter (8)
Irish father says murder of daughter (8) by Hamas 'a blessing' rather than her being held hostag
The Times of Israel reported that her older sister Natalie Hand said in a Channel 12 interview that the family had cried for Emily when they were informed she had been killed.
“We were told that she had been murdered. We were in mourning,” she said.
She added that “on October 31, they told us that it was highly likely that she had been abducted".
During the interview, Natalie asked to send a direct message to Emily and looking into the camera, she said: “I want to tell you that we are doing everything to get you home".
"We know you are being held hostage," she said.
"We love you so much and miss you.”
