Emily Damari, the last remaining British hostage in Gaza, has now been released by Hamas as her mum spoke out over the "horrendous ordeal".

The 28-year-old British-Israeli had been in captivity for over a year.

Her mum Mandy Damari said: "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 added.

Emily was among three hostages released from Gaza that arrived in Israel hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold. Their mothers were waiting to meet them.

She, along with Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were released on Sunday after being captured as part of Hamas' October 7 2023 attack on Israel and held in captivity in the enclave for months.

Romi had been abducted from the Nova music festival, while Emily and Doron had been kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

The deal between Israel and Hamas offered the first glimmer of hope in months that both sides may be winding down the most deadly and destructive war they’ve ever fought, a conflict which has destabilised the Middle East and sparked protests worldwide.

Hamas triggered the war with its cross-border attack, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 others taken hostage.

Israel responded with a fierce offensive which killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. An estimated 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, sparking a humanitarian crisis.

More than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza in a weeklong truce in November 2023.

The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire, brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home.

The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday.

Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Trump’s backing to continue fighting if necessary.

Negotiations on the far more difficult second phase of this ceasefire should begin in just over two weeks. Major questions remain, including whether the war will resume after the first phase and how the rest of the hostages in Gaza will be freed.

Reacting to the news of the hostage release today, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families.

“Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home.

“I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support.

“However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet – so while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.

“We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.”