British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari says Hamas held her in an UNWRA facility
British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has told Sir Keir Starmer that she was held by Hamas in facilities belonging to the UN refugee agency, a statement released by her family said.
During a phone call with the prime minister, Ms Damari and her mother, Mandy, discussed her condition since being released, as well as the conditions while she was held captive.
"Emily and Mandy revealed that she had been held for some time in United Nations facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and denied access to medical treatment," the statement said.
In a post on X, Mrs Damari said it was a "miracle that she survived".
Philippe Lazzarini, Comissioner General of the UNRWA, said the claims were "deeply disturbing and shocking" and that any allegations are taken "extremely seriously".
He said UNRWA was forced to leave its facilities in the north of Gaza in October 2023 and has since had "no control over them."
Ms Damari, 28, was released earlier in January following the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months in captivity.
Ms Damari was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on the morning of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 2023 and shot in the hand, “blindfolded and forced into her own car with two other friends”, her family said previously.
During the call, Ms and Mrs Damari called on the prime minister to exert pressure to ensure that the Red Cross have access to hostages still being held in Gaza.
The mother and daughter thanked the prime minister for the government’s help in bringing Ms Damari home, and Starmer invited the 28-year-old to visit Downing Street when she has recovered, the statement said.
In a post on X, Lazzarini said: "Claims that hostages have been held in UNRWA premises are deeply disturbing & shocking. We take any such allegations extremely seriously.
"We have repeatedly called for independent investigations into any credible claims of misuse & disregard of UN premises by Palestinian armed militants, including Hamas.
"UNRWA was forced to vacate all its installations in the north of Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, on 13 October 2023 & has, since then, had no control over them. "claims that hostages have been held in UNRWA premises are deeply disturbing & shocking."
"UNRWA has not been involved in any negotiation related to hostage release as it is not within its mandate.
"I repeat our call for the immediate release & safe return of all hostages," he added.
Ms Damari was released on January 19, and was one of the first three hostages to be freed when the ceasefire deal was struck.
Two other hostages: Romi Gonen, 24; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31; were also freed.
At the time, Starmer said that her release was “wonderful and long-overdue news” and called for the release of the remaining hostages.
On Thursday, Hamas released eight hostages in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
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