Body of Israeli hostage who defended community during October 7 attack recovered, IDF says

The body of Israeli hostage Lior Rudaeff, who was killed defending his community during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, has been returned to Israel after being held for 763 days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday.

Rudaeff, 61, was a member of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak’s emergency response team who “fought heroically” at the community’s gate, helping to stop numerous terrorists before being killed in what the Hostages and Missing Families Forum described as a “fierce battle.” His body was subsequently taken to Gaza by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

“Lior is brought home after 763 days,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. The IDF had officially confirmed his death earlier this year on May 7, 2024, though his body remained in captivity until now.

The return comes as part of an ongoing cease-fire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. The IDF emphasized that “Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to a dignified burial.”

According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Rudaeff was born in Argentina and immigrated to Israel at the age of 7. He was known for his generosity and community service, having volunteered for 40 years as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council alongside his role in the kibbutz emergency response team.

“Those close to him say he had a generous spirit and volunteered for 40 years as an ambulance driver in the Eshkol Regional Council and as a member of the Nir Yitzhak emergency response team. He always volunteered first and extended a helping hand to everyone,” the organization stated.

The return of Rudaeff’s remains highlights the ongoing human toll of the conflict that began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023. During that attack, approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. Many hostages have since been released through various agreements, while others have been confirmed dead or remain in captivity.

Rudaeff’s case bears similarities to that of Tal Haimi, another hostage from the same kibbutz whose body was previously recovered and returned to Israel for burial. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum noted that both men were taken to Gaza after being killed during the initial attack.

The IDF expressed “deep condolences to the family” and reaffirmed its commitment to “continue making every effort to return all the deceased hostages.” Rudaeff is survived by his wife and four children.

The repatriation of Rudaeff’s remains comes amid the complex implementation of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. A Red Cross convoy was seen traveling through the Gaza Strip on Friday, carrying what was believed to be the deceased hostage toward the border crossing with Israel.

The ongoing hostage crisis continues to be a central issue in the conflict. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the bodies of five deceased hostages still remain held in the Gaza Strip as of Saturday, while negotiations continue for the release of living captives still in Hamas custody.

The return of Rudaeff’s body provides his family with the opportunity for closure through a proper burial after nearly 25 months of uncertainty – a small measure of solace amid the continuing tragedy of the broader conflict that has claimed thousands of lives on both sides and left deep scars across the region.