The Taoiseach has met with the family of eight-year-old Emily Hand, who is believed to have been abducted by Hamas.
Leo Varadkar had discussions with her father Thomas and her sister Natali at Government Buildings last night.
The Hand family were accompanied by other family members of hostages in Gaza and by the Israeli Ambassador.
Thomas Hand was originally told by Israeli authorities that his daughter was killed in the Hamas attack on October 7th; however, the authorities now believe Emily is still alive.
They have informed her family that they believe she was most likely abducted and is being held by Hamas in Gaza.
Speaking following the meeting last night, the Taoiseach said he assured the Hand family that the Government will do all in its power to secure Emily’s release.
Mr Varadkar said he was committed to continuing to call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.
He said he also raised Emily’s case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, the Palestinian Prime and the Chief Adviser to the King of Jordan during meetings in Paris last week.
The Tánaiste Micheál Martin is visiting the Middle East later this week and is also expected to meet Mr Hand in Dublin today.
Reporting from Alan Cantwell.
