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)
Ruby and Hagit Chen shared in a statement: “For 760 days, our dear and beloved son Itay, a hero of Israel, was held captive by Hamas. Last night we received the bittersweet news of his return to Israel. Even in this difficult moment, we remember that there are still seven hostages that need to be returned: Hadar Goldin, Ran Gvili, Meny Godard, Dror Or, Lior Rudaeff, Joshua Loitu Mollel and Sudthisak Rintalak.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Chen family shortly after being informed of the identification. The Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences to the family, asked about the well-being of Roy and Alon, Itay’s brothers, and promised to continue the fight without giving up until the last hostage is returned. The family thanked the prime minister for bringing Itay home for a proper burial in Israel.
Ruby Chen told Netanyahu that Itay’s sacrifice should not be in vain and that there is no return to the mentality of October 6. Stressing the need to establish a commission of inquiry, he noted that the people of Israel deserve answers about what happened on that terrible day – answers for the 2,000 relatives and tens of thousands of wounded in body and spirit.
President Trump’s special envoy for peacekeeping missions, Steve Witkoff, also called the Chen family for an extended conversation.
Witkoff expressed his admiration for the way the family had conducted their campaign to bring Itay home, and underlined their crucial role in emphasizing the urgency of the return of all remaining hostages. He added that the family helped President Trump understand the critical importance of bringing back both the living and deceased hostages, and strengthened America’s resolve and commitment to continue until the last hostage is returned.
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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.
