One of the three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas has said “I'm back to my life'' after nearly 500 days in captivity.
Emily Damari, 28, also wrote in an Instagram post: “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm the happiest person in the world just by existing.”
Damari, a dual Israeli and British citizen, lost two fingers in a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Associated Press reported, citing authorities. She was said to be in stable condition after being released from the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
“Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug I've always dreamed of,” her mother, Mandy Damali, also said in a statement Monday. Hostage/Missing Families Forum, He has advocated for the release of prisoners of war.
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire agreement to free hostages
Emily Damari (right) and her mother Mandy are pictured together after Emily was released from custody by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP/Israeli Army)
“We are relieved to report that Emily is doing much better since her release than any of us expected,” her mother continued. “In Emily's own words, she is the happiest girl in the world. She has gotten her life back.”
Mandy Damali described her daughter's release as an “incredibly happy moment for our family,” but added: “We must also remember that there are still 94 other hostages left.”
“The ceasefire must continue and every last hostage must be returned to their families,” he added.
Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could allow Gaza terrorists to rearm
Former hostage Emily Damali and her mother Mandy video call with Emily's brother Tom Damali on Sunday, January 19, after their release from Hamas captivity.
“It's great to see Emily's resilience, but it's still early days. As you saw yesterday, Emily lost two fingers on her left hand,” added Mandy Damali. “She needs time now with her loved ones and doctors as she begins her road to recovery.”
Damali was one of three hostages released by Hamas on Sunday as part of a ceasefire agreement.
In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
Romi Gonen (right) and her mother Merav embrace near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (AP/Israeli Army)
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The other two Israeli hostages who were released were identified as Doron Steinbrecher (31) and Romi Gonen (24).
