Liora Argamani, the mother of Noa Argamani, who was rescued from captivity in the Gaza Strip earlier this month, has died, Tel Aviv's Sourasky Medical Center announced on Tuesday. Liora had been battling terminal cancer during her daughter's eight-month captivity. Noa was at her side during her final days.
Noa was rescued last month from central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp by special operations teams along with three other captives. Her mother had expressed a fervent wish to see her daughter one last time before passing. Upon her rescue, Noa's first question to her rescuers was about her mother's condition.
Inside the helicopter: Noa Argamani rescued from the Gaza Strip
(Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
After Noa's abduction from the Nova festival massacre on October 7, Liora had appealed to the Chinese government for assistance in securing her daughter's release. However, Beijing declined to intervene, citing Liora's renouncement of Chinese citizenship and Noa's status as only half-Chinese.
The hospital reported that Noa was briefed on her mother's grave condition shortly after her transfer to the facility. It remains unclear if Liora fully understood that her daughter had been safely returned.
Noa Argamani speaks out
(Video: ILTV)
Noa Argamani and her partner Avinatan Or abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7
On Saturday, Noa posted a video message broadcast at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, expressing gratitude to her rescuers and urging the government not to forsake the remaining 120 hostages still held captive.
Her partner, Avinatan Or, remains in Hamas captivity. The couple's abduction, filmed by their captors, drew international attention.