Netanyahu speaks to Starmer after release of UK-Israeli hostage Emily Damari

Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel

Released hostages Emily Damari reunites with her mother shortly after returning to Israel after 471 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, January 19, 2025. (IDF)
Released hostages Emily Damari reunites with her mother shortly after returning to Israel after 471 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, January 19, 2025. (IDF)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he spoke recently with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed gratitude for the return of UK-Israeli dual citizen Emily Damari from Hamas captivity.

Damari, whose mother, Mandy, was born in England, was released alongside Doron Steinbrecher and Romi Gonen on Sunday evening, the first day of the ceasefire.

Netanyahu says during his conversation with Starmer he also raised the issue of the UK suspension of some arms exports to Israel. The British prime minister said he would investigate the issue, according to Netanyahu’s office.

There is no immediate readout of the call from 10 Downing Street.

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