Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar’s statement on social media regarding the release of his 9-year-old citizen, Emily Hand, along with other prisoners by Hamas, increased the tension between Israel and Ireland. His statement, including the phrase “An innocent child who was lost has now been found and returned,” was considered a verbicide and was heavily criticized by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. “Emily wasn’t missing. It sounds like you’ve lost your moral compass and need a reality check. Emily and about 30 Israeli children were kidnapped by Hamas, and you are trying to justify it,” said Cohen.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Emily celebrated her 9th birthday at the hands of Hamas.