Scars of Resilience: Emily Damari's Journey Post-Captivity**

After being released from Hamas custody, Emily Damari emphasizes the symbolism of her scars as signs of hope and strength while sharing her recovery process and the plight of remaining hostages.**

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for 471 days, has shared her journey of recovery following her release. Now 28, she describes her physical scars as symbols of "freedom, hope, and strength," while undergoing significant surgery for injuries sustained during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

The traumatic experience began when Emily was shot in the hand during the raid on her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza and subsequently lost two fingers. After spending 15 exhausting months imprisoned in Gaza, she expressed the frustration of enduring unimaginable conditions including inadequate medical treatment that left her in "intense pain."

In a positive turn, her surgeries at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have reportedly exceeded her expectations; with improved healing in her hand and a reduction of pain linked to nerve issues from her captivity. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that full recovery is unlikely, and the road ahead is long.

Reflecting on her time as a hostage, Ms. Damari pointed out the harrowing condition of fellow captives, revealing that many were emaciated upon release. She described the situation under Hamas as "hell on Earth" and urged for the immediate release of other hostages still being held.

Emily’s recovery is supported by physiotherapy, as she remains optimistic about regaining function in her hand. She's excitedly awaiting a trip back to the UK with her mother, Mandy Damari, who commended both Emily's resilience and the miraculous nature of her survival without severe infections.

In the midst of these events, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has invited the pair to Downing Street, acknowledging the significant impact of Emily's story. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with 251 hostages taken and many lives lost during the devastating operations in Gaza.