My scars of strength

FORMER hostage Emily Damari, 28, smiles bravely and waves her damaged hand as she talks of how she has come to see her scars from the October 7 Hamas attack in a positive light.

- ANDY LINES and PAUL MARTIN

The British-Israeli citizen was held by the Palestinian group for 15 months after being shot in the hand as she was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the 2023 raid.

Emily said: "I have fully embraced my hand, my pain and my scars. To me, they represent freedom, hope and strength."

Emily was held for 471 days with severe injuries and little medical treatment.

She has had a series of complex operations on her hand and leg to repair the injuries she suffered during the attack and her captivity.