First image of British hostage reunited with her mother after Gaza ceasefire

The mother of freed British hostage Emily Damari has thanked those who 'never stopped fighting' for her throughout the 'horrendous ordeal' after she was released by Hamas in the first step of a ceasefire agreement.

Ellie, 28, was held in captivity for more than 15 months in what was described as 'ongoing torture' for her family, and her release on Sunday was welcomed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as 'wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony'.

Her mother Mandy Damari, who grew up in Beckenham, south-east London, fiercely campaigned for her daughter’s freedom and in the wake of it has called for all Israeli hostages to be released.

The Israel Defence Forces posted on X: "Emily is finally back where she belongs—safe in her mother’s arms, still smiling and stronger than ever."

Her mother said in a statement on Sunday afternoon: “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.”

She posted a photo on social media of her and her daughter video-calling loved ones, with the caption: 'Emily is home' followed by a love heart emoji.

Sir Keir also remembered those who remain in captivity, saying Sunday 'represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet'.

In a