THE SUN EXCLUSIVE: HAMAS RELEASE DEAL IS A "MACABRE LOTTERY"

The first three hostages, including British citizen Emily Damari, have finally been released by Hamas after a near-collapse of the ceasefire deal this morning.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally come into effect after 15 months of relentless warfare, with the first step being the hostage-prisoner exchange.

 However, Benjamin Anthony, CEO and co-founder of the Miryam Institute, said: "Israel has been thrust into a completely macabre lottery wherein for six weeks we will receive 3 to 4 hostages each week without necessarily knowing if they are alive, what state of mind they’re in, what state they’re in physically."

British Emily Damari, 28, has been released alongside two other women Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31.

The three victims were picked up by the International Committee of the Red Cross team before being handed over to IDF troops.

They then arrived at a reception point in southern Israel where the three had an emotional reunion with their mothers who they haven't seen or spoken to in 15 months.

The mum of British hostage Emily Damari released a heartwarming statement following the return of her beloved daughter, confirming "Emily is finally home".

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