One of Three Israeli hostages A woman released by Hamas after spending nearly 500 days in captivity speaks out, saying she is “back in my life.”
In a post on Instagram, Emily Damari (28 years old) also wrote: “Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am the happiest in the world just to be.”
Al-Damari is a dual Israeli-British citizen who lost two fingers during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. attack on israel, The Associated Press reported, citing authorities. Her condition was said to be stable on Sunday after her release from the Gaza Strip.
“Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug I've been dreaming of,” her mother, Mandy Damari, said Monday in a statement. Forum for Families of Hostages and Missing Persons, Which called for the release of prisoners.
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement to free the hostages
Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy are seen together after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AFP/Israeli Army)
“I am happy to report that after her release, Emily is doing much better than any of us expected,” her mother continued. “In Emily's own words, 'She's the happiest girl in the world. She's got her life back.'
Mandy Damari described her daughter's release as “a very happy moment for our family,” but said, “We must also remember that 94 other hostages are still there.”
“The ceasefire must continue and all hostages must be returned to their families,” she added.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow terrorists to be rearmed in Gaza
Former hostage Emily Damari and her mother Mandy had a video call with Emily's brother Tom Damari on Sunday, January 19, after she was released from Hamas captivity.
Mandy Damari also said: “Although it's great to see Emily's resilience, these are still early days. As you could see yesterday, Emily lost two fingers on her left hand.” “She now needs time with her loved ones and doctors as she begins her road to recovery.”
Al-Damari was one of three hostages released by Hamas on Sunday as part of an operation Ceasefire agreement.
In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
Rumi Gonen, right, and her mother, Merav, embrace each other near Kibbutz Rem in southern Israel after Rumi was released from captivity by Hamas fighters in Gaza. (AFP/Israeli Army)
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The other two Israeli hostages who were released were Doron Steinbrecher (31 years old) and Romi Gonen (24 years old).
