The remains of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the final U.S. citizen held by Hamas, have been recovered from Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday. Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli citizen, was returned for burial, leaving the bodies of seven other hostages still in Gaza.

According to the military, “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.”

Chen served valiantly as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. Tragically, he lost his life during a fierce battle on October 7, 2023, near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a community that faced severe devastation during Hamas’s aggressive assault. His tank was hit in combat, and his body was subsequently taken into Gaza. It wasn’t until March 10, 2024, that his death was officially confirmed.

Itay Chen, the son of Ruby Chen, was serving along the Gaza border when he was captured by Hamas militants on October 7.

Born in Netanya, central Israel, Itay was the middle child among three brothers. He was a bright student involved in a specialized academic program and was celebrated for his humor, kindness, and commitment to those around him. A lover of basketball, hiking, and rock climbing, he also worked as a camp counselor before his military service. Even after suffering an injury, his dedication to the children he mentored was unwavering, as he completed the summer camp to be a role model. Itay’s enlistment as an armored-corps soldier stemmed from a profound sense of responsibility to safeguard others. His legacy lives on through 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)

“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. “We will not compromise and will spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed.”

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.