Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Body of Israeli Hostage Returned After 763 Days

11/8/2025

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lior Rudaeff, 61, deputy security coordinator at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, had his remains returned.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad handed over his body as part of a ceasefire agreement.
Rudaeff was posthumously promoted to warrant officer.
His family expressed deep sorrow but gratitude for his return after 763 days of uncertainty.
Five deceased hostages remain in Gaza, and the Israeli government urges Hamas to fulfill commitments to return them.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas resulted in over 2,200 Palestinian and 73 Israeli deaths, culminating in a ceasefire agreement after 50 days of fighting. The recent return of Lior Rudaeff's remains after 763 days highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities of hostage negotiations, emphasizing the urgent need for effective diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lior Rudaeff, 61, deputy security coordinator at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, had his remains returned.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad handed over his body as part of a ceasefire agreement.
Rudaeff was posthumously promoted to warrant officer.
His family expressed deep sorrow but gratitude for his return after 763 days of uncertainty.
Five deceased hostages remain in Gaza, and the Israeli government urges Hamas to fulfill commitments to return them.

1 / 2