The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the return of the body of Lior Rudaeff, an Israeli hostage who reportedly “fought heroically” in defense of his community during a “fierce battle” on October 7, 2023. Rudaeff’s remains have now been returned for burial.

The Israeli military revealed that 61-year-old Rudaeff was returned after he “fell during battle while defending his community during the October 7 Massacre” and was subsequently “taken captive by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum shared a statement on Saturday, saying, “Lior is brought home after 763 days. On the morning of October 7th, Lior, along with the emergency response team of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, fought valiantly near the kibbutz gate and thwarted many terrorists.”

The statement continued, “Following a fierce battle, Lior was killed, and his body was taken to Gaza along with Tal Haimi, of blessed memory, whose body was also later returned for burial.”

In a related image, Israeli soldiers are depicted walking through Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 25, 2023. The IDF confirmed that Rudaeff’s body was returned to Israel on Friday, marking the end of a long and painful episode for his family and community.

The IDF said Rudaeff’s death was confirmed on May 7, 2024. He leaves behind his wife and four children.

“The IDF expresses deep condolences to the family, continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages, and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement,” it said in reference to an ongoing cease-fire and hostage release deal with Hamas.

“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,” the IDF added.

A Red Cross convoy carrying the body of a person believed to be a deceased hostage handed over by Hamas makes its way toward the border crossing with Israel, in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.  (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Rudaeff was born in Argentina and immigrated to Israel at the age of 7.

“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,” it added.

Protesters hold a sign with a photo of Israeli hostage Lior Rudaeff in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Aug. 15, 2024.  (Matan Golan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

As of Saturday, the organization said the bodies of five deceased hostages remain held in the Gaza Strip.