The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday that the remains of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the final U.S. citizen held by Hamas, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli national, have been repatriated. The bodies of seven additional hostages are still in Gaza.
The military announced that, subsequent to the identification process being finalized by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed Itay’s family that his remains had been brought back for burial.
Chen was a combat soldier with the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He lost his life on the morning of October 7, 2023, during combat near Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community significantly affected by Hamas’ violent assault.
Approximately 500 Hamas terrorists assaulted the kibbutz, killing 47 individuals and seizing 76 hostages, from the total of 251 abducted throughout Israel that day. During the engagement, Chen’s tank was hit, and his body was transported into Gaza. His demise was officially verified on March 10, 2024.
Itay was the second of three brothers. He was raised in Netanya, a city located in central Israel, participated in an advanced academic program, and was recognized for his warmth, humor, and commitment. He enjoyed basketball, hiking, and rock climbing, and prior to his military enlistment, he worked as a camp counselor.
Even after sustaining an injury at camp, he was determined to complete the summer to serve as a role model for the children he guided. He later enlisted as an armored-corps soldier, compelled by a profound sense of duty to safeguard others. He is survived by his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and his brothers, Roi and Alon.
For the past two years, his parents spearheaded an insistent campaign for their son’s return. They engaged with high-ranking officials in Israel and Washington, advocating for the return of hostages and the remains of those who perished.
In a statement, the Government of Israel expressed, “The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages.” It affirmed, “We will not compromise and will spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed.”
A statement noted, “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 is scheduled to occur this week, with full military honors.