What It’s About
Thomas Hand, a devoted father whose 9-year-old daughter, Emily Hand, was recently liberated after 50 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, has made a passionate appeal for Israel to maintain its stance in the ongoing conflict until a decisive victory is achieved. Hand emphasizes the necessity of finishing the job to ensure the sacrifices made — including the lives lost and traumas endured by the hostages — have not been in vain.
Why It Matters
The call from Hand comes amid discussions on the proportionality of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and highlights the personal and national agony inflicted by terrorist actions. It underlines the political and humanitarian complexity of dealing with hostage situations, especially involving children, and the broader implications of failing to address the root causes of terrorism comprehensively.
The Father’s Resolve
“As a father, I have no proportion about our response to what they have done to us. It was atrocious, horrendous, frightening… We have to go all the way to the end and finish this job,” Thomas Hand expressed, sharing his anguish and strong resolve from Jerusalem. His argument underscores the common sentiment that a failure to fully resolve the conflict would merely pause, not end the cycle of violence, exposing future generations to potential harm.
A Personal Tale with Global Implications
In gaining his daughter’s freedom, Thomas Hand did not simply rely on her Irish dual citizenship or media spotlight; he has become an advocate for the continued fight not just for Israel’s right to defend her citizens, but more urgently, for the safety and release of all hostages still under Hamas control. Through sharing Emily’s harrowing story, he aims to keep the global focus on the human aspects of the conflict, urging worldwide media and political leaders not to let these crises fade into background noise.
On European Diplomacy
Thomas Hand’s insights into the European political landscape offer a candid look at the dichotomies within international diplomacy. His critique of European leaders who, though proactive behind the scenes, often remain publicly muted for political expediency, reflects a broader concern about the global community’s hesitancy to take firm stances on issues of terrorism and human rights abuses.
Conclusion
Thomas Hand’s powerful testimony from a parent’s perspective highlights a fundamental truth in the ongoing battle against terrorism – the importance of resilience, decisive action, and unity in the fight for peace and justice. His call to “finish the job” resonates beyond personal grievance, encapsulating the collective desire for lasting security and the prevention of future atrocities.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.