The body of the last U.S. citizen held by Hamas, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, has been returned from Gaza for burial, the Israeli military confirmed Monday. There are still seven bodies of hostages in Gaza.
“Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family that Itay had been returned for burial,” the military said.
Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed on the morning of October 7, 2023, during fighting near Kibbutz Nahal Oz – one of the hardest-hit communities during Hamas’s brutal attack. Chen’s tank was hit during the battle and his body was taken to Gaza. His death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.
BODY OF ISRAELI HOSTAGE HELD IN GAZA FOR NEARLY 700 DAYS HAS BEEN RECOVERED
Ruby Chen’s son, IDF Sergeant Itay Chen was serving along the Gaza border when he was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7. (IDF)
Itay was the middle of three brothers. He grew up in Netanya, a city in central Israel, studied in an advanced academic program and was known for his warmth, humor and dedication. He enjoyed basketball, hiking and rock climbing, and before joining the Army, he worked as a camp counselor. Even after suffering an injury during camp, he insisted on finishing the summer to set an example for the kids he led. He later enlisted as an armored corps soldier, driven by a deep sense of duty to protect others. He is survived by his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and his brothers Roi and Alon.
Over the past year, his parents have waged a relentless campaign to bring their son home. They met with senior officials in Israel and Washington, including President Trump, and called for the return of all hostages and the remains of the fallen.
Ruby Chen addressed the UN Security Council and called for more action to bring the hostages home from Gaza. Ruby’s son Itay is still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. (Bianca Otero)
“The Government of Israel shares the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “We will make no compromises and spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed.”
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Itay Chen, 19-year-old American-Israeli citizen, was on active duty in a tank unit on October 7, 2023. (Hostage Family Forum)
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: “Itay’s return brings some relief to a family that has lived in painful uncertainty for more than two years. We will not rest until the last hostage is returned.”
Chen’s funeral will take place this week with full military honors.
