Thomas Hand ‘embarrassed, ashamed’ to call himself Irish after Ireland recognises State of Palestine

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Thomas Hand has said he is “ashamed” to call himself Irish following the Government’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine.

His daughter, Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand, was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack.

She was released in November after spending 50 days, including her ninth birthday, as a hostage in Gaza.

Mr Hand, who is originally from Dublin, told Reuters that Ireland has been instrumental in Emily’s release but strongly criticised recognition of Palestine.

“I’ve been a very proud Irishman all my life. I advertise the fact, I tell people yes I’m Irish,” he said.

“I’m not so proud anymore. I’m actually embarrassed, ashamed to call myself Irish now. After what’s happened to Emily, and they [Irish authorities] were integral in the whole process of it… Okay, she’s only an individual but she is an Irish citizen.about:blank

“Knowing everything Hamas has done, I’m sure they’ve seen the videos of their GoPros, they’ve seen all the evidence.”

He said recognising a Palestinian state served as a reward for Hamas.

“Okay, here is your reward then for absolute violence. Here’s your reward, we recognise you as a state. Nice one,” he told Reuters.

Ireland recognised the state of Palestine alongside Spain and Norway from May 28. Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was an act “of powerful, political and symbolic value”.

“Ireland’s dream is that the Israeli and Palestinian children of May 28th 2024 will grow up to be neighbours at peace,” Mr Harris said at the time of the announcement.”We’re praying for it [a peaceful resolution] to happen and for all of this to end. All they [Hamas] have to do is hand over the hostages and the war is over.”

Emily’s release in November came during a temporary cessation of hostilities as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. More than 100 Israeli and foreign national hostages were released. Nearly half of the hostages kidnapped on October 7 remain in captivity.