British-Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Freed After 471 Days in Captivity

IL
Published:

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman held hostage by Hamas for 471 days, has been released and reunited with her family. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, the 28-year-old expressed her gratitude and joy, stating, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m the happiest in the world.”

Damari, along with two other Israeli hostages, was freed as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The release comes after a long and harrowing ordeal, during which Damari suffered significant injuries, including the loss of two fingers after being shot during her abduction from her home in the Kfar Aza kibbutz on October 7, 2023.

Her mother, Mandy Damari, praised her daughter’s strength and resilience during this trying period. “Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of,” she said, noting that they were grateful for the support from those who campaigned tirelessly for her daughter’s return.

Emily Damari is currently receiving medical attention at Sheba Medical Center, where doctors reported that she and the other released hostages are in stable condition. While overjoyed at Emily’s release, her family highlighted the plight of the remaining 94 hostages still in captivity, emphasizing the need for continued efforts towards their release.

A lawyer representing the Damari family confirmed that Emily is in good spirits, although she will require ongoing medical support for both physical and mental health as she begins her recovery.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Israel

Tensions Escalate as Israel Signals Potential Military Action Against Iran

On January 26, 2025, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated readiness for military action against Iran in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Katz emphasized the significance of regional stability, citing growing concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Reports from Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya corroborated this stance, claiming that Israel had resolved to target Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months. Meanwhile, Iranian military capabilities were on display during the 'Great Prophet' drill, which featured advanced weaponry, including the Gaza drone with a wingspan of 22 meters and a range of 1,000 kilometers. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) introduced new Navvab missiles and upgraded Qadr missiles, further heightening regional tensions. Additionally, a cyberattack attributed to Iranian hackers disrupted Israeli educational institutions, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the current conflict. This situation underscores the escalating geopolitical confrontation in the region as both nations prepare for potential conflict.
IL

Israel Imposes Ban on UN Aid Program for Palestinians, Igniting Concerns

A ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has officially taken effect in Occupied East Jerusalem and Israel, following a vote by the Israeli Parliament three months prior. Officials state the move is justified by allegations that UNRWA maintains close ties with Hamas, which the agency denies. A recent legal challenge to halt the ban was dismissed by the Israeli Supreme Court. UNRWA provides essential services, including healthcare and education, to approximately 70,000 Palestinians in Jerusalem and supports nearly two million residents in Gaza. Critics, including patients from the Shuafat refugee camp, express frustration over losing access to vital medical care. "This really doesn't work for us," said Amal, a Palestinian patient in the camp. Additionally, the head of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, warned that the ban could severely impact food security in the region. UNRWA's director for the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, noted that the closure will undermine coordination efforts for necessary services, stressing, "The collapse of UNRWA cannot be in the interest of anybody."
IL

Growing Concerns for Bibas Family Amid Hostage Exchanges in Israel

In Tel Aviv, anxiety is intensifying over the fate of the Bibas family, who have become emblematic of the ongoing hostage crisis involving Hamas. On Thursday, Israel celebrated the release of Agam Berger, the last of five kidnapped soldiers, as jubilant crowds gathered at the "Square of Hostages." However, many are deeply worried about Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir and Ariel, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Margalit Bokritz, a local resident, expressed hope for the family’s survival but admitted, “Unfortunately, it does not look good.” Israeli officials have stated that the agreement with Hamas prioritizes the release of surviving women and children before any deceased hostages are addressed. This has heightened fears for the Bibas family's wellbeing, especially after Hamas claimed in November that they had died during an Israeli airstrike, a report that remains unverified by Israeli authorities. While the recent hostage exchange has provided some relief, tensions simmer as dissatisfaction with Hamas's behavior continues to grow. The Israeli government recently assured that further hostage releases will be contingent on guaranteed safety for Israeli captives moving forward.
IL
All Israel News ->