In a heartfelt statement shared with CNN, Mandy Damari, the mother of released hostage Emily Damari, expressed her overwhelming relief, stating, “After 471 days, Emily is finally home.” Emily was one of three hostages released from Gaza on Sunday and has now entered Israel, where she is set to reunite with her mother and undergo a medical assessment in Re’im, southern Israel.
Mandy thanked those who fought tirelessly for Emily’s release, acknowledging the global efforts made on her behalf. “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,” she said.
A Call for Continued Action
While celebrating her daughter’s return, Mandy Damari emphasized the ongoing plight of other hostages. “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,” she urged.
International Response
Emily, a 28-year-old British-Israeli woman, was released alongside Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described their release as “wonderful and long-overdue news.” He wished the women “all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced.”
Starmer also called for the full implementation of the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal, which includes the release of other hostages and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. He affirmed, “The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.”
Conclusion
The return of Emily Damari marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to resolve the hostage situation in Gaza. As families celebrate reunions, the call for continued support and action remains critical to ensuring that all hostages are brought home safely and that humanitarian needs are met.
