Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin have announced that another 25 Irish citizens and their dependents are anticipated to depart Gaza, crossing the Rafah border into Egypt. This would bring the total number of citizens and dependents leaving to 51. The Tánaiste had expressed earlier hopes that all Irish citizens able to travel would have left Gaza by Sunday.
The development coincides with ongoing concerns for the wellbeing of hostages in Gaza, including the case of Emily Hand, an Israeli-Irish girl believed to be held by Hamas. A birthday party for Emily was held in Dublin, attended by family members who remain optimistic about her safe return.
Tánaiste Martin emphasised his deep concern for the hostages and called for their immediate and unconditional release. He reiterated the shocking number of civilian casualties in Gaza and appealed for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire and increased humanitarian access.
The Tánaiste, who visited attacked towns in southern Israel, described those leaving Gaza as “deeply traumatised” and highlighted the need for support as they return to Ireland and restart their lives. The Hand family continues to seek government assistance in securing the release of Emily, who was initially thought to be dead but is now believed to be held hostage in Gaza.
https://x.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1725569689470857676?s=20
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