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The body of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the last U.S. citizen held by Hamas, has been returned from Gaza for burial, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday. The 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen was killed on October 7, 2023, while defending Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas’s attack.
“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. His death had been officially confirmed on March 10, 2024, though his body remained in Gaza until now.
Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. During the battle at Nahal Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities in the October 7 attack, his tank was struck and his body was taken into Gaza. Seven more hostages’ bodies still remain in Gaza.
The young soldier was the middle of three brothers who grew up in Netanya, a city in central Israel. Known for his warmth, humor, and dedication, Chen studied in an advanced academic program and enjoyed basketball, hiking, and rock climbing. Before joining the army, he worked as a camp counselor, demonstrating his commitment by continuing to work even after sustaining an injury, wanting to set an example for the children under his care.
His parents, Ruby and Hagit Chen, have led a tireless campaign over the past year to bring their son home. They met with senior officials in both Israel and Washington, including President Trump, advocating not only for their son but for all hostages and the remains of the fallen.
“For 760 days, our dear and beloved son Itay, a hero of Israel, was held captive by Hamas,” Ruby and Hagit Chen said in a statement. “Last night, we received the bittersweet news of his return home to Israel. Even in this difficult moment, we remember that there are still seven hostages who must be brought back: Hadar Goldin, Ran Gvili, Meny Godard, Dror Or, Lior Rudaeff, Joshua Loitu Mollel and Sudthisak Rinthalak.”
The ongoing hostage crisis has been a central focus of diplomatic efforts in the region, with families of those still held by Hamas continuing to press for action from international leaders. The return of remains has provided closure for some families while highlighting the continued plight of others still waiting for news of their loved ones.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Chen family after the identification was confirmed, offering his condolences and vowing to continue efforts until the last hostage is returned. The family thanked the Prime Minister for enabling Itay to receive a proper burial in Israel.
During the call, Ruby Chen emphasized that Itay’s sacrifice must not be in vain and called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. He stressed that the Israeli people deserve answers about what happened that day—answers for the 2,000 bereaved families and tens of thousands wounded physically and psychologically.
President Trump’s special envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, also reached out to the Chen family. In an extended conversation, he expressed admiration for how they conducted their campaign to bring Itay home and acknowledged their pivotal role in highlighting the urgency of returning all remaining hostages.
Witkoff noted that the family helped President Trump understand the critical importance of securing the return of both living and deceased hostages, reinforcing American commitment to press forward until all are brought home.
The return of remains has become an important humanitarian aspect of the ongoing conflict, providing families with the ability to conduct proper burials according to their traditions. For many Israeli families, this represents a crucial step in their mourning process.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has coordinated many of the advocacy efforts for those taken on October 7, said, “The return of Itay brings a measure of relief to a family that lived in agonizing 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, allowing his family, friends, and the nation to pay their respects to the young soldier who died defending his country.
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10 Comments
The return of Itay Chen’s body is a bittersweet moment. While it provides some closure, the circumstances of his death and the ongoing captivity of other hostages are a tragic testament to the complexities of this conflict.
Well said. There is still much work to be done to ensure all hostages are accounted for and returned to their families.
Itay Chen’s service and sacrifice are deeply admirable. My heart goes out to his loved ones during this difficult time. I hope his legacy can inspire others to work towards a more peaceful future.
This is a solemn and difficult moment. Itay Chen’s sacrifice in defense of his country is commendable, but the pain of his loss is deeply felt. I hope his family and community can find some solace in having his remains returned.
The return of Itay Chen’s body is a step towards closure, but the lingering question of the other hostages’ fates casts a shadow. My thoughts are with all the families impacted by this conflict and the ongoing search for peace.
Absolutely. The resolution of all hostage cases should be a top priority. Only then can true healing and reconciliation begin.
This is a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict and the heavy toll it takes. The return of these remains is an important step, but much more work is needed to heal the wounds and find lasting peace.
Agreed. Resolving the fate of all hostages should be a priority. Hopefully this can lead to further progress in negotiations and reconciliation.
A tragic loss. Itay Chen’s death while defending his country is heartbreaking. My condolences to his family and the other families still waiting for their loved ones’ remains to be returned from Gaza.
Yes, such a young life cut short. I hope the return of his body brings some closure to his family, even if it doesn’t ease their grief.