The last remaining British national being held in Gaza has been named by Hamas as one of three hostages set to be freed on Sunday.
British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was kidnaped during the October 7 attack and has been a hostage for 470 days.
In a speech at Hyde Park in October last year, her mother, Mandy Damari, said Emily was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on the morning of the attack and shot in the hand, “blindfolded and forced into her own car with two other friends”.
Her beloved dog Choocha, who was with her, was killed with a “gunshot to the neck”.
Emily Damari with her mother Mandy (Family handout/PA)
Described as “the light and life” of her family and friends, Ms Damari was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Aza as the youngest of four siblings.
Her family said she has always remained “close to her British roots” and “loves visiting London” with her mother where they often see artists including Ed Sheeran and Adele.
Her mother said: “When she was young, her favourite place was London Zoo … as she got older, she turned into a big foodie, always dragging us to her favourite restaurants.
“We’d go shopping in Primark and visit markets for a good bargain.”
An avid Spurs fan, Ms Damari would also attend Tottenham games with her brother “enjoying a pint or two while cheering her head off”.
Lord Stuart Polak with Mandy Damari during a press conference in London (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Her mother said: “For her, that was England and she loved her second home across the sea and always looked forward to coming here.”
On Wednesday, Arsenal and Tottenham fans united in support of Ms Damari at the north London derby, and her mother tweeted her appreciation afterwards, saying: “I know that you don’t agree on very much, which makes it even more special that you have come together to say ‘bring her home’.”
A lawyer for Ms Damari’s family said on Sunday there had been no “independent verification” that she will be released.
Adam Rose told Times Radio: “No, we’ve not had any independent verification. I’ve seen what’s out in public, I’ve been in touch with the family, but not had specific confirmation yet, no.”
He said Ms Damari’s family are in an “impossible position”, adding: “Their daughter, their only daughter, now 28, was taken from her home on October 7 2023, she was injured in the process, and their world’s just been turned upside down while they’re waiting to find out what’s happened to their daughter.”
Emily Damari is the last remaining British hostage in Gaza (Family handout/PA)
The lawyer said he has told her loved ones to “prepare for the worst”.
He told BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “Our advice has always been until somebody is in your arms and being hugged and they’re alive and well, you have to assume that nothing is happening. And, I suppose, prepare for the worst.
“But hopefully Emily is well. Hopefully Emily will come out this afternoon. Hopefully she’ll be given medical care and then she’ll be hugged.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “The UK Government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release.
“We urge both sides to implement all phases of the deal in full and for all hostages to be returned.”