Mother of freed British hostage thanks those who kept fighting for Emily

The mother of freed British hostage Emily Damari has thanked those who “never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal” after she was released by Hamas in the first step of a ceasefire agreement.

The mother of freed British hostage Emily Damari has thanked those who “never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal” after she was released by Hamas in the first step of a ceasefire agreement.

Ms Damari, 28, was held in captivity for more than 15 months in what was described as “ongoing torture” for her family, and her release on Sunday was welcomed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as “wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony”.

Her mother Mandy Damari, who grew up in Beckenham, south-east London, fiercely campaigned for her daughter’s freedom and in the wake of it has called for all Israeli hostages to be released.

She said in a statement on Sunday afternoon: “After 471 days Emily is finally home.

“I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.

“While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home.

“We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time.”

She posted a photo on social media of her and her daughter video-calling loved ones, with the caption: “Emily is home” followed by a love heart emoji.

Sir Keir also remembered those who remain in captivity, saying today “represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet”.

In a statement the Prime Minister said: “The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families.

“Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home.

“I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support.

“However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet – so while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.

“We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.”

Two other hostages, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were also released and the trio are now in Israel.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed their release, saying: “Our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the families of UK-linked hostages Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or.

“We are clear the deal must be implemented in full; all hostages be returned and aid be allowed to flow into Gaza now.

“This ceasefire must lead to a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.”

Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners later on Sunday.

Published: 19/01/2025 by Radio NewsHub