However, shortly after her address, Lammy issued a statement on X calling for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza for the winter, without mentioning the hostages.
"A few hours after my speech, the Foreign Secretary published a statement calling for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza for the winter, but there was no mention of the need to get any of that aid to Emily and the other hostages," Damari told reporters. "I appreciate the Foreign Secretary’s voice in our personal meetings, but as I have said, I came for solutions, not sympathy."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement on X calling for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza for the winter, without mentioning the hostages (Image: Getty)POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Emily Damari, 28, was kidnapped from her home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
She has since been held captive in Gaza, with little information available about her condition.
During the attacks, Emily suffered gunshot wounds and witnessed the killing of her dog, Choocha.
Her mother, Mandy, survived thanks to a jammed lock in her safe room, but 64 people from their kibbutz were killed, and another 19 were taken hostage.
Around 250 individuals were captured and brought to Gaza, with Israeli officials estimating that about 100 hostages remain in captivity.
While in the UK, Damari met with key political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform leader Nigel Farage.
She expressed her gratitude to Farage and other MPs who immediately looked for ways to help.
Farage, she said, issued an “amazing” statement in support of Emily’s case to which she is “very grateful for” as he promised to speak with incoming US President Donald Trump.
Despite her appreciation for the support from many, Damari condemned the UK government’s recent vote at the UN Security Council in favour of an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, without ensuring the hostages’ release.
She said the decision “broke her heart” and called it a "death warrant" for the hostages, as it did not require the release of captives as a precondition for a ceasefire.
The US vetoed the draft, which did not make the release of the hostages a necessary part of the agreement.
"We worry that Emily is no longer singing," Damari said, her voice breaking with emotion. "Over the last 12 months, while in captivity enduring unimaginable horrors, she has missed birthdays, weddings, and the births of friends' and family’s children. She even missed her grandfather’s death in London earlier this year."
Damari has spent the past week in London meeting with political leaders and raising awareness about her daughter's plight.
Emily Damari remains the only British hostage held in Gaza, with reports from released hostages indicating that she has maintained her "spirit" despite the ongoing trauma.
Her mother, Mandy, continues to hold out hope. "Despite the long silence, I believe she is still with us today," Damari said.
Speaking at a press conference in London, Damari alongside Lord Polak (Credit: James Lessell/The End)[Missing Credit]
