The remains of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the final U.S. citizen held by Hamas, have been recovered from Gaza, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces on Monday. Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli national, is set to be laid to rest. Meanwhile, the bodies of seven other hostages are still held in Gaza.

The military announced, “After completing the identification process with the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF officials informed Itay’s family about the return of his body for burial.”

Chen served valiantly in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He lost his life on October 7, 2023, during combat near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a community severely affected by Hamas’s violent assault. His tank was destroyed in the clash, and his remains were taken into Gaza. His death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.

On October 7, IDF Sergeant Itay Chen, the son of Ruby Chen, was captured by Hamas militants while stationed along the Gaza border. (IDF)

Itay, the second of three brothers, was raised in Netanya, a central Israeli city. He excelled in an advanced academic track and was admired for his kindness, humor, and commitment. An enthusiast of basketball, hiking, and rock climbing, he also worked as a camp counselor before enlisting. Even after injuring himself at camp, he chose to complete the summer session, setting an example for the children he mentored. Motivated by a strong sense of duty, he joined the armored corps to safeguard others. He is survived by his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and his brothers, Roi and Alon.

Over the past year, his parents led an unrelenting campaign to bring their son home. They met with senior officials in Israel and Washington, including President Trump, advocating for the return of all hostages and the remains of the fallen.

Ruby Chen addressed the U.N. Security Council, calling 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 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.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Chen family shortly after being notified of the identification. The prime minister offered his heartfelt condolences to the family, asked about the well-being of Roy and Alon, Itay’s brothers, and vowed to continue the fight without relenting 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 must not be in vain, and that there could be no return to the mindset of Oct. 6. He emphasized the need to establish a commission of inquiry, noting that the people of Israel deserve answers about what happened on that terrible day — answers for the 2,000 bereaved families and tens of thousands wounded in body and spirit.

President Trump’s special envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, also called the Chen family for an extended conversation. 

Witkoff expressed his admiration for how the family had conducted their campaign to bring Itay home, and underscored their pivotal role in highlighting the urgency of returning all remaining hostages. He added that the family helped President Trump grasp the critical importance of bringing home both the living and the deceased hostages and reinforced American determination and commitment to press forward until the last hostage is returned.

Itay Chen, 19-year-old U.S.-Israeli citizen, was on active duty in a tank unit on Oct. 7, 2023.   (Hostage Family Forum)

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum 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.