The mother of the sole British-Israeli hostage held by Hamas has expressed growing concerns for her daughter’s survival after over 400 days in captivity.

Emily Damari, a 28-year-old who was abducted from her home in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, remains in captivity. Her mother, Mandy, spoke about her anguish during her first television interview with the BBC.

“I fear she may be dead,” Mandy shared. “If she’s alive, she’s likely suffering from lack of food, water, and basic hygiene. She’s also dealing with gunshot wounds to her hand and leg. Every moment, I fear she could be killed.”

Mandy, originally from Surrey, urged the British government to prioritize providing humanitarian aid to hostages and intensify efforts to secure their release. She expressed cautious optimism about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement warning of severe consequences if hostages are not released before he resumes office in January. “It gave me a glimmer of hope,” she said.

During the attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza 14 months ago, Emily was shot, and her dog was killed. Mandy herself narrowly escaped harm, hiding in her home while bullets jammed the lock of the room she was sheltering in. On that day, approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 250 individuals, including Emily, were taken hostage.

Diplomatic efforts led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to secure the release of the remaining 97 hostages have stalled. The proposed deal involves a ceasefire in Gaza, but both Hamas and Israel blame each other for the deadlock.

Trump’s post on social media platform Truth Social further emphasized his stance: “The hostages in the Middle East are being held inhumanely against global will. If they are not released by January 20, 2025, when I take office, there will be severe repercussions for those responsible.”

Mandy welcomed the strong rhetoric, noting, “It’s the most decisive statement I’ve heard in a long time. I hope it translates to action that brings my daughter and others home.”

A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan, Emily often visited the UK to see family and enjoy local culture. Mandy, disappointed with the British government’s limited efforts, is currently in the UK meeting political leaders, including the Prime Minister. She criticized the government’s support for a recent UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza without making the release of hostages a precondition.

“It felt like a betrayal,” Mandy said. “A ceasefire without hostage release condemns them to remain in captivity indefinitely.”

She appealed for immediate action: “If Emily’s release cannot be secured immediately, the least that can be done is to provide humanitarian aid or confirm she is alive. It’s a basic human right.”

Having initially refrained from speaking publicly to allow negotiators to work, Mandy is now urging the British public to amplify her calls for action, emphasizing that Emily is a British citizen in dire need.

As the conflict continues, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 44,500 fatalities since the Israeli military campaign began in response to the October 7 attack.