Varadkar Defends 'Lost' Tweet About Released Hostage; Draws Israel's Ire
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar defended his tweet referring to released hostage Emily Hand as "lost", drawing criticism from Israel's Foreign Minister. Varadkar said most people understood what he meant.
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Israel summoned the Irish Ambassador over the tweet. The Israeli Foreign Minister said Varadkar's tweet tried to legitimize Hamas's actions.
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The Israeli Ambassador said "words matter" and that Emily was kidnapped by terrorists.
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Other Irish politicians like Micheál Martin expressed surprise at the strong reaction and said Varadkar's tweet just reflected happiness about Emily's release.
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Some Irish politicians continue to call for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador over tensions related to the conflict.