A propaganda video published by shows the horrifying moment three released Israeli hostages were handed "gift bags" by the terror group as mementoes of their captivity.

On Sunday, , 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, once again tasted freedom after being imprisoned by Hamas for 15 months.

The young women were seized by members of the Islamist group on October 7, 2023, following Hamas' brutal attack on southern Israel.

Their release was part of a negotiated agreement brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, which will see another 30 captives returned in exchange for prisoners during the first phase of the deal.

The video showed the three women clambering into a Red Cross van, flanked by masked Hamas fighters armed with machine guns.

Hundreds of Palestinians had gathered to witness the spectacle, which saw each of the three women handed a bag by their captors.

These were reported to contain photos of the women during their imprisonment, as well as a so-called "certificate".

On Monday the mother of , a British-Israeli dual citizen, .

In a statement, Mandy Damari said: "Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of.

"From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank the many people who have played a role in bringing Emily home and given their support to me and my family.

"As I said over the course of the campaign, you are all Emily's family.

"I am relieved to report that after her release, than any of us could ever have anticipated.

"I am also happy that during her release the world was given a glimpse of her feisty and charismatic personality.

"In Emily's own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back."

Emily earlier posted a heartfelt message to her Instagram account, in which she said: "I came back to life".

In the post on a black background, she writes "love, love, love", and thanks God, her family and "the closest friends I have in this world".