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The body of the last U.S. citizen held by Hamas has been returned from Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday. Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack while defending Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
“Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family that Itay had been returned for burial,” the military announced in its statement.
Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. On the morning of October 7, his tank was struck during fierce fighting near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, one of the communities that suffered the heaviest casualties during Hamas’s attack. His body was subsequently taken into Gaza. While Chen was initially listed as missing, his death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.
The return of Chen’s remains marks a somber milestone in the ongoing hostage crisis that has gripped Israel since the October attacks. Seven more hostages’ bodies still remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.
Chen grew up in Netanya, a coastal city in central Israel, where he was the middle of three brothers. Known for his warm personality and sense of humor, he was an accomplished student who participated in advanced academic programs. His passion for outdoor activities included basketball, hiking, and rock climbing. Before his military service, Chen worked as a camp counselor, demonstrating his commitment to leadership even after sustaining an injury—he insisted on completing the summer program to set an example for the children in his care.
This dedication to service extended to his military career, where Chen enlisted in the armored corps driven by what his family described as a deep sense of duty to protect others. He leaves behind his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and brothers Roi and Alon.
Throughout the past year, Chen’s parents spearheaded a relentless campaign to bring their son home. Their advocacy took them to meetings with senior officials in both Israel and Washington, including discussions with former President Trump. Their efforts were part of a broader movement by families advocating for the return of all hostages and the remains of those killed.
“The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement following the announcement. “We will not compromise and will spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has been central to coordinating advocacy efforts for those captured or killed on October 7, also acknowledged the mixed emotions that accompany such news. “The return of Itay brings a measure of relief to a family that lived in agonizing uncertainty for more than two years,” the organization stated. “We will not rest until the last hostage is returned.”
Chen’s case has drawn particular attention in the United States due to his American citizenship. His return comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages and continuing military operations in Gaza. The identification and return of remains represents both a personal closure for the Chen family and a reminder of the continuing humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
Israel has recovered the bodies of several hostages in recent months through military operations in Gaza, while others have been returned through negotiated exchanges. The process of identifying remains has involved complex forensic work, often under challenging circumstances.
Chen will receive full military honors at his funeral, scheduled for later this week. The ceremony is expected to draw attendance from military officials, family members, and supporters who have followed the Chen family’s long campaign to bring their son home.
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15 Comments
While the recovery of Itay Chen’s remains is a somber milestone, I’m glad his family can now honor his memory. The persistent threat of Hamas and the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza is deeply concerning. I hope the international community can take decisive action to secure the release of all remaining captives and prevent such tragedies in the future.
This is a devastating loss for the Chen family. My heart goes out to them after this tragic two-year ordeal. I hope the return of Itay’s remains can provide some closure, even as the crisis continues for other hostages’ families.
Agreed. The sacrifice of these brave soldiers defending their communities is truly heartbreaking. I hope their loved ones can find some solace in honoring their memory.
The persistent threat of Hamas and the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza is deeply concerning. I’m curious to know what steps the international community is taking to secure the release of the remaining captives and prevent such tragedies in the future.
An excellent point. Diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis and ensure the safe return of all hostages should be a top priority. The world must stand united against terrorist groups like Hamas and their unconscionable acts.
Itay Chen’s death is a tragic reminder of the human toll of this conflict. As a young dual citizen, his story is especially heartbreaking. I hope his family can find some comfort in honoring his memory and that the international community redoubles efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages.
Itay Chen’s story is a tragic reminder of the human cost of this conflict. As a young dual citizen, his death is especially heartbreaking. I hope his family can find some solace in knowing his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
This is a devastating loss for the Chen family and the entire country. Itay’s sacrifice in defending his community is truly heartbreaking. I hope the return of his remains can provide some closure, even as the crisis continues for other hostages’ families. My deepest condolences.
The return of Itay Chen’s remains is a somber moment, but I’m grateful his family can now lay him to rest. The ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza is deeply troubling, and I hope the international community can take decisive action to secure the release of all remaining captives and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Itay Chen’s story is a tragic reminder of the human cost of this conflict. As a young dual citizen, his death is especially heartbreaking. I hope his family can find solace in knowing his sacrifice will not be forgotten and that the international community will continue to work for the safe return of all hostages.
This is a devastating loss for the Chen family and the entire community. I applaud the efforts of the IDF and Israeli authorities to identify and return Itay’s remains, even as the crisis continues. My heart goes out to all the families still awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
The return of Itay Chen’s remains is a somber moment, but I’m grateful his family can now lay him to rest. The ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza is deeply troubling, and I hope the international community can work to ensure the safe return of all captives. My condolences to the Chen family and all those affected.
The recovery of Itay Chen’s remains after two years is a somber milestone. My condolences to his loved ones and all those affected by this ongoing hostage crisis. I hope the international community can work to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.
This is a devastating loss for the Chen family and the entire community. Itay’s sacrifice in defending his home is truly heartbreaking. I hope the return of his remains can provide some closure, even as the crisis continues for other hostages’ families. My deepest condolences to all those affected.
Itay Chen’s story is a tragic reminder of the human toll of this conflict. As a young dual citizen, his death is especially heartbreaking. I hope his family can find solace in honoring his memory and that the international community will work tirelessly to secure the release of all remaining hostages.