The Taoiseach has spoken to the Prime Minister of Qatar about the case of Emily Hand.
The Irish-Israeli girl, who turned 9 last week, is believed to be among a number of Hamas hostages.
Talks are underway in Qatar to try to secure a three-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of some hostages.
Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani has told Leo Varadkar children will be a priority in any negotiated release.
Emily's father Dubliner Tom Hand says he's living through a nightmare.
The Taoiseach's office released the following statement: "Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke today with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, regarding the case of Emily Hand.
"Mr Al Thani said they are aware of the case and said that children will be a priority in any negotiated release.
"When the Taoiseach met Emily Hand’s family and the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland last week, he pledged that he would use all channels of communication to pursue Emily’s release.
"Last week he spoke to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, having previously raised her case with the Palestinian Prime Minister, the Egyptian Foreign Minister and Prince Rashid of Jordan."
