The father of a nine-year-old Irish-Israeli child who was taken hostage during the Hamas assault on Israel has expressed his hope for a deal to release hostages, but remains skeptical until he sees evidence. Thomas Hand, speaking at a press conference, described the situation as a 'nightmare' and stated that getting his daughter back was his main focus. He expressed concern for her mental and physical well-being and condemned the taking of hostages as 'pure terrorism, pure evil'. Hand also criticized Hamas for not allowing the Red Cross to provide proof of life for the hostages.