Nine-year-old girl Emily Hand was one of the hostages released by Hamas in a deal with Israel on Saturday. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed gratitude for her release, stating that their “prayers have been answered.” However, his remarks have sparked controversy on social media.
The Israeli government spokesperson, Eylon Levy, criticized Varadkar for his comments, stating that Emily was “brutally abducted” and was not released by prayers but by the “Israel military’s pressure.” Levy also took a jab at Ireland’s contribution, emphasizing that prayers do not explain the extent of their involvement.
In the hostage deal brokered by the US and Qatar, Hamas released the hostages while Israel released Palestinian prisoners. The first group of 24 hostages was handed over to the International Committee for Red Cross on Friday. The second batch, consisting of 13 Israelis and 4 Thai nationals, was released on Saturday.
It is important to note that around 240 people were abducted by Hamas during the October 7 assault on Israel. The swap deal aims to secure the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
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