An Irish father whose daughter is believed to be a hostage in Gaza has spoke of his hope that she will be released for her ninth birthday.
Thomas Hand, who is originally from Dún Laoghaire in Co Dublin, said he prays he will be reunited with Emily for her birthday on November 17.
He also said he wants “proof-of-life evidence” that she is alive.
Mr Hand had believed his daughter was murdered by Hamas after their kibbutz near Gaza was stormed on October 7.
The devastated father told CNN in an emotional interview last month of how he believed the alternative outcome of his daughter being captured and taken hostage was "worse than death".
But he said weeks later he was told there had been a mistake in identification of her body and that there were no traces of Emily's DNA found.
Israeli authorities told the family they believe Emily is still alive.
Read more:
- Daughter of Irish man thought to have been murdered by Hamas now believed to be Gaza hostage
- Irish father says murder of daughter (8) by Hamas 'a blessing' rather than her being held hostage
Mr Hand said he now lives in hope that she will be released before her ninth birthday on November 17.
"We’re praying and hoping that we get news that Emily has been released from Gaza,” he told the Irish Independent.
"In 10 days’ time it is going to be her birthday.
“She will be nine on November 17, so we would really, really pray and hope that she will be released and we can have a normal children’s party for Emily on the day.
“She’s not going to be the same person that went in there, but we will fix her.
"Fortunately, she is a very strong girl in her mind and her spirit.
“She lost her mum at the age of two-and-a-half, she lost her uncle and her grandad before that, so she’s dealt with her own little tragedies. Even after all that happened to her, she was still a happy, smiling, fun-loving child.”
Mr Hand also said he would like to get “proof-of-life evidence” that she is alive.
“The main thing that we would like to get, either through the Red Cross or through the Irish or Israeli government, is proof of life, like some picture or video of Emily where she is held captive," he said.
"It would be great to know 100% that she is alive."
