The remains of an Israeli hostage, praised by supporters for his “heroic defense” of his community during an intense clash on October 7, 2023, have been returned for burial by terrorists, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported.

The Israeli military announced that 61-year-old Lior Rudaeff was returned after he “died in combat while protecting his community during the October 7 Massacre” and had been “captured by the Islamic Jihad terrorist group.”

“Lior is finally home after 763 days,” stated the Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Saturday. “On the morning of October 7th, Lior, along with Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak’s emergency response team, courageously defended near the kibbutz gate, halting numerous terrorists.”

“Following a brutal fight, Lior was killed, and his body was taken to Gaza, along with Tal Haimi, whose remains were subsequently returned for burial,” the organization continued.

Israeli soldiers are seen patrolling Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in Israel on October 25, 2023. The body of Lior Rudaeff, who died in the attacks on October 7, 2023, was returned to Israel on Friday, as reported by the Israeli military. (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images; The Hostages and Missing Families Forum/AP)

The IDF confirmed Rudaeff’s death on May 7, 2024. He is survived by 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.