As the world watches for a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the fate of 94 hostages, including at least one British citizen, hangs in the balance. A potential deal proposes the staged release of 33 hostages, offering a glimmer of hope for their families. British families separated from their loved ones in Gaza share stories of anguish and resilience, demanding solutions and clinging to the possibility of reunion.
As the world anxiously awaits the outcome of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas , British families holding onto hope for their loved ones still held captive in Gaza are bracing for news. According to the deal, 33 out of the 94 hostages believed to be held by Hamas will be released in stages, potentially starting on Sunday.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the 'unbearable trauma' endured by the hostages and their families, stating, 'We will play our full part in the coming days and weeks, working alongside our partners, to seize this chance for a better future.' Among the hostages yet to return home, one is confirmed to be a British citizen, while others possess family members residing in the UK. Emily Damari, a 28-year-old originally from southeast London, moved to Israel in her twenties, where she established a family on the Kfar Aza kibbutz. During the October 7th Hamas attack, she was abducted, enduring a harrowing experience involving gunshot wounds, shrapnel injuries, and being blindfolded and driven back to Gaza in her own car. Speaking in December, her mother, Mandy Damari, expressed a desire for 'solutions not sympathy,' urging the UK government to increase its efforts. Despite months without confirmation, Mandy remained confident about her daughter's survival in captivity.Another British-connected hostage is Eli Sharabi. Along with his wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya (16) and Yahel (13), they were taken captive during the Hamas raid on the Be'eri kibbutz on October 7th, 2023. Lianne, born in Bristol, and their daughters were reportedly killed by Hamas, according to family accounts. Eli Sharabi, 52, remains in suspected Hamas captivity. Oded Lifschitz, an 84-year-old with a British-Israeli daughter, was also taken from the Nir Oz kibbutz along with his wife, Yocheved. Released in late October 2023, Yocheved's fate remains uncertain. Her daughter Sharone, residing in London, expressed hope that her father is still alive. Daniel, Oded's grandson, shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing, 'Miracles do happen,' while acknowledging the agonizing uncertainty surrounding his grandfather. Avinatan Or, 31, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival alongside his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. Separated during their abduction, Noa was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, but Avinatan remains in Hamas custody. His mother, Ditza, a British-Israeli citizen, has been vocal in demanding her son's return. British MP Jack Rankin raised Avinatan's situation in Parliament in January 2025, highlighting the young man's full life ahead of him.
HAMAS ISRAEL CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES BRITISH CITIZENS FAMILY HOPE RELEASE UK GOVERNMENT
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