A woman who pleaded for the release of her daughter held hostage by Hamas has died from brain cancer less than a month after she was rescued.

Noa Argamani was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in October and video of her being taken away on a motorbike made headlines around the world.

Her mother, Liora, 61, said she wanted to see her only child again before she died.

She finally got her wish last month when Noa was among four hostages rescued from Gaza by Israeli forces.

Hours after her release, the 26-year-old visited the Tel Aviv hospital where her mother was being treated for stage-four cancer.

At Tuesday’s funeral, Noa praised her mother for not giving up.

“Thank you for being strong and holding on all this time, just so I could see you at least one more time,” she said.

Israeli tank shells hit tent camp, killing at least 25, say Gaza health officials

Israel-Lebanon: A funeral for two women shows how furious fighting is ratcheting up the risk of all-out war

Mother of freed Russian-Israeli hostage feared the worst for son held by Hamas

“Against all odds I was privileged to be with you in your last moments, talk with you, laugh with you,” Noa added.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

It comes days after Noa spoke publicly for the first time in a video calling for the release of the other Israelis taken in the October terror attack.

Her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, remains a hostage.

Ms Argamani said she wanted to “remind everyone that there are still 120 hostages in Hamas captivity”.

She also thanked the Israeli forces who rescued her.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arnon Zamora, an officer in an elite police commando unit, died after being wounded in the operation.

About 1,200 people died in the 7 October Hamas attack and some 250 were kidnapped, though dozens were released in a deal late last year.

About a third of those still being held in Gaza are believed to be dead.

Read more:
Israel orders mass evacuation from part of Khan Younis
Prospects for West Bank bleak amid rising violence

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Israel‘s offensive as it tries to wipe out Hamas has killed least 37,900 people, according to Palestinian officials.

It’s provoked condemnation from many countries, as well as the United Nations, and concern over the plight of masses of displaced people.

Israel insists it takes utmost care to protect civilians but says Hamas fighters deliberately embed themselves amongst Gaza’s densely packed population.

Related posts:

Remote tribe who hailed Prince Philip as a god to mark his death with ritual wailing Israel-Gaza conflict is Biden’s first major test in Middle East – but will diplomacy prevent war? Record £19.8m Hong Kong smuggling bust includes shark fins and endangered plants Judo master Putin knows how to catch the enemy off balance – and his tactics against the West appear to be working Ministers get new powers to sanction Russia after Truss’s stormy talks in Moscow Ukraine war forces Ireland to question its traditional neutrality EU countries agree deal to cut use of gas this winter as they brace for reductions in Russian supply Six adults and child, 7, killed in shooting at Mexican holiday resort UK not an Amazon delivery service for weapons to Ukraine, says defence secretary ‘Unprecedented’ 2,400 fuel lobbyists at COP28, claim campaigners ‘Charles’ or ‘skin rash’? – Maori MPs go off script while swearing oath to King Children killed after Ukrainian missiles shot down, Russian officials say, amid beach panic reports