Emily Hand could be freed by Hamas as early as Thursday

Emily Hand could be freed by Hamas as early as Thursday

Irish-Israeli child Emily Hand could be released as early as on Thursday, it has emerged.

She is one of 50 hostages who will be released over the coming days according to Israeli media quoting the government.

Euronews quoted Israeli sources as saying its possible she will be released as early as Thursday, as part of the first tranche of hostages in the deal agreed.

Emily was kidnapped on October 7 during the Hamas raid into Israel which killed 1,200 people. She was initially feared dead but Israeli intelligence later informed her father, Dublin native Thomas Hand, that she may be alive and in Gaza.

The ceasefire will take effect from 10am local time (8am GMT) on Thursday, Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV said.

Egypt helped mediate the four-day ceasefire, which will facilitate the release of dozens of hostages captured by Hamas during its October 7 attack on southern Israel.

The deal will also see the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israeli media also reported that the truce would begin at 10am local time on Thursday.

The breakthrough agreement between Israel and Hamas has raised hopes of eventually winding down the war.

Now in its seventh week, the conflict has levelled vast swathes of Gaza, fuelled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank, and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East.

More to follow

Would you like a lunchtime summary of content highlights on the Irish Examiner website? Delivered straight to your inbox at 1pm each day.