Father of 8-year-old Hamas hostage: I was relieved at the news of her death, now I hope she lives – I beg to let her go

The story of the 8-year-old girl is shocking from Kibbutz Berrywhere she was considered dead after the Hamas attack on October 7, but finally she is believed to be alive and among those held hostage in Gaza.

Her father Emily Hunt appeals to the abductees to release all the children. Speaking on Virgin Media News’ The Group Chat, Mr Hardt appealed to those who may have his daughter: “I am begging you on my knees to release the children, including Emily. At least the children… For God’s sake, show some humanity, some pity, some human feelings of any kind, please“.

Since initially had told CNN that there was some relief of reports that Emily was dead – because he feared a fate worse than death for her – Mr Hardt said it was hard to accept the new information. “At first, when I was told she was probably dead, it was kind of a relief. But now I have to change my mind with this new information and now I have hope now I have hope that she is alive so we pray that she will come back“.

He said that Emily’s ninth birthday is on November 17th. “We just want her back“, he added. “It’s great to know there’s a chance she’s alive and well and that one day we’ll get her back and I’ll be able to hold her“.

Mr. Hunt also spoke at BBC News stressing that he regrets things he said in his first interview, when he expressed relief at the news of her death. “I kind of regret it – just because of some of the things I said – some things that might have put her in danger – we move on“, he said.

“It’s her birthday this month – she’s not even going to know it’s her birthday – there will be no cake, no party, no friends to celebrate. He will still live there in terror every day. We want her back so we can love her again, hug her again – and never let her out of my sight” he emphasized.

Emily’s half-sister Natalie said the family had found hope again. He told RTÉ radio: “We have been informed by the military and other authorities that she’s been kidnapped and she’s alive. We don’t know the exact details, but we know he’s been kidnapped“.

Source: breakingnews.ie