The Tragic Story of Itay Chen
"Itay is Back Home": Body of Last American-Israeli Hostage Returned From Gaza
The body of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the last American-Israeli hostage whose remains were held by Hamas, was returned to Israel, closing a painful chapter for his family while seven other families still wait.
The Prime Minister's Office announced early Wednesday morning that the body of abducted and fallen soldier, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, was returned to Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization. This brings a painful, prolonged period of agonizing uncertainty to a close for his family, but leaves the families of seven other murdered hostages still waiting for the return of their loved ones' remains.
Following the transfer, the National Center of Forensic Medicine completed the identification process in coordination with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate. IDF representatives then formally informed the family of the tragic confirmation.
The Government of Israel conveyed its deep sorrow, affirming that the government and the entire security apparatus are "determined, committed, and working tirelessly to bring all our abducted fallen back for proper burial in their homeland."
Itay Chen: A Life Cut Short
Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual US-Israeli citizen from Netanya, was serving in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armoured Brigade. He was on active duty in a tank near the Nahal Oz army base on the morning of October 7, 2023.
The IDF determined that Chen was tragically killed during combat in his tank while battling Hamas terrorists on October 7. His body, along with that of his fellow crew members, was subsequently abducted by Hamas and taken into the Gaza Strip. Chen's death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024. The family, including his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and two brothers, became outspoken advocates for the hostages' return. The family notably refused to observe the traditional Jewish mourning period (shiva) until their son’s body was recovered.
Chen was the last remaining slain hostage with American citizenship whose body was held in Gaza. He was described by his family as a "wonderful son," who had switched shifts with a comrade to attend his younger brother’s Bar Mitzvah the following week, a plan tragically cut short by the assault.
The Transfer and Remaining Bodies
The transfer of Chen's remains was facilitated through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which received the casket from the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza and escorted it to IDF troops inside the Strip. Upon arrival in Israel, the coffin was received in a brief military ceremony led by an IDF rabbi before being taken for forensic identification.
The IDF stressed that Hamas is "required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages." With the return of Staff Sgt. Chen, the bodies of seven other murdered hostages; including a soldier killed in 2014, are still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leaving their families in agonizing limbo.