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British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari reunited with mother after Hamas handover - live
News of the hostages’ release was met with jubilation by families and supporters who gathered in Tel Aviv
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First hostages released by Hamas in ceasefire deal handed over by Red Cross to IDF
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The first three hostages have been handed over to the Israeli military in chaotic and emotional scenes, with British-Israeli Emily Damari among those seen hurrying into a Red Cross vehicle.
For Ms Damari, 28, it marks the end of 471 days of captivity, a harrowing ordeal that began when she was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas’s assault on 7 October.
News of the hostages’ release was met with jubilation by families and supporters who gathered in Tel Aviv as a fragile ceasefire came into effect after a three-hour delay. Tearful crowds cheered, clapped, and embraced as the moment sank in.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had received the hostages, who would undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with their families. Hope now turns to the safe return of others still held.
Among those freed was Romi Gonen, 24, ambushed while fleeing the Supernova music festival. Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, was also set to be released after being seized during an attack on her apartment in southern Israel.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza poured into the streets to mark the truce, despite the devastation surrounding them. Many returned to homes reduced to rubble during 15 months of relentless conflict that claimed over 46,000 lives.
Emily Damari’s mother issues statement ‘Our Dodo has returned to our arms' Gaza ceasefire now in effect Hamas says Israel will submit list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be freed ‘Ceasefire only temporary’ warns Netanyahu Last British hostage in Gaza freed by Hamas after 15 months in captivity as Israel ceasefire beginsThe last British hostage in Gaza was freed by Hamas after more than 15 months in captivity, as part of a long-fought ceasefire to end the ruinous conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was released alongside two other female captives and reunited with her mother, Mandy, on Sunday evening, after what the family described as nearly 500 “tortuous days” in captivity.
In footage taken in Gaza, cheering crowds of armed militants were seen handing over Emily, alongside her friend Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was captured with her from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Romi Goren, 24, who was seized from the Nova music festival.
Barney Davis19 January 2025 19:03
IDF say hostages have landed at hospital to meet their mothersAn IDF spokesman said: “The three released hostages, together with their mothers, just landed at a hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment
“.The IDF, ISA, the Mossad, and Israeli health authorities are ready to continue receiving additional hostages and are operating to bring home all the hostages.”
Bel Trew19 January 2025 18:57
‘Our Dodo has returned to our arms'The family of Doron Steinbrecher who has just been released have thanked Donald Trump for his role in getting their daughter released.
In a statement they said: “After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey. A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments.
“We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us.
“Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today. We will continue to stand with all the families and do everything in our power until all of their loved ones return home.”
(IDF via Reuters )Barney Davis19 January 2025 18:36
First photo of released British-Israeli hostage Emily DamariEmily Damari has been reunited with her mother Mandy, and has been seen on a video call with her brother for the first time.
(Reuters )Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:49
Israel's ambassador to US credits Trump and degrading of Hamas for ceasefire dealIsrael’s ambassador to United States credited President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, along with his country’s degrading of Hamas, for the ceasefire deal that took effect Sunday.
Ambassador Michael Herzog said Hamas realized they were on their own in their fight and “Trump came into the picture and said he wants a deal,” pushing them toward it.
On “Fox News Sunday,” he noted the “unprecedented cooperation” between President Joe Biden’s team and Trump’s envoys.
Going forward, he says he sees “a role for the U.S. and other regional actors to apply and create alternatives to Hamas and stabilize the situation.”
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:42
Watch live: Freed Israeli hostages arrive at Sheba Medical Centre after Hamas ceasefire releaseJabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:20
Father of an Israeli-American hostage grateful to Trump for work on ceasefireThe father of an Israel-American held by Hamas says he’s grateful for the incoming Trump administration for its work on getting the ceasefire deal over the finish line.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, says the outgoing Biden administration “did extraordinary work” on the framework of the deal.
“However, it took a tweet, the subsequent statements from President-elect Trump to get this home,” the father said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “And what we ask of President Trump and his team is to keep their finger on this.”
President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, said Sunday that Sagui Dekel-Chen is one of the two Israeli-American hostages would will be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement over the coming weeks.
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:17
Watch | Hamas fighters surround first hostages to be released in ceasefire deal Hamas fighters surround first hostages to be released in ceasefire dealJabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:12
Watch live: Biden addresses nation as Hamas releases first hostages in Israel-Gaza ceasefire dealJabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:05
Emily Damari’s mother issues statementMandy Damari said: “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.”
Emily Damari’s mother has thanked people for their support (PA Media )Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 17:05
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