Israel confirms Argentine thought to be hostage in Gaza was killed in October 7 attack

Israel confirmed on Tuesday that an Argentine who was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas was actually killed on the October 7 attack. It is 61-year-old Lior Rudaeff, who lived in kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and whose body was taken to Gaza on that day.

"Heartbreaking news. It was confirmed today that Lior Rudaeff, a 61-year-old Argentine-Israeli, was killed on October 7 by Hamas terrorists. His body has taken and has been in Gaza for 7 months. Lior leaves behind his wife, four children and grandchildren. Blessed be his memory," reads a publication by the Israeli government's X account (formerly Twitter).

Rudaeff was part of his kibbutz's emergency defense force along with four other men. Three of them are now confirmed to be dead. The community is among those closest to the Gaza Strip and which were heavily targeted on the October 7 attacks, which catalyzed a war that is still ongoing.

Argentina is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, and many nationals have emigrated to Israel over the decades. More than 10 died and over 20 were kidnapped by Hamas (considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU) during the attack.

Nine women were released in the only exchange between the parties last year. nine were believed to still be in Gaza, the number dropping to eight after the confirmation of Rudaeff's death. Hamas has also said that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas (35, 4 and 1 year old, respectively) have died as well, but there has not been official confirmation.

Hostage negotiations are currently ongoing, with an Israeli delegation in Egypt at the moment. Hamas said on Monday that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal presented by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel claimed it had been changed and didn't meet its core demands.

However, a White House spokesman showed cautious optimism about the possibility that differences can be saved and an agreement be reached. "Again, Hamas responded yesterday and there were amendments offered. Again, that's the task of negotiating. That's what negotiations are all about. It's our understanding from looking at the text that we feel it suggests that we should be able to close these gaps," said John Kirby.

"Everybody's coming. Qatar is coming. The Israelis are coming. Obviously, the Egyptians will be there of course, and Bill Burns will be there," Kirby said. "That's not insignificant. Everybody is coming to the table."

Israel also launched an initial attack on the southern city of Rafah on Monday, where about a million Palestinians are sheltering. The Netanyahu government claims the city is Hamas' last stronghold and will conduct a precise operation to destroy the group while protecting civilian lives. The United States and other countries have warned Israel not to do so given the potential harm it could have on civilians.