The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday that the remains of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, the last American citizen detained by Hamas, have been returned from Gaza for burial. Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli citizen, was one of eight hostages whose bodies were held in Gaza.

“After completing the identification process at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed Chen’s family about his return for burial,” stated the military.

Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He lost his life on October 7, 2023, while fighting near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, a community severely impacted by the violent assault from Hamas. During the confrontation, his tank was hit, leading to his body being taken into Gaza. His death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.

Ruby Chen’s son, IDF Sergeant Itay Chen, was captured by Hamas militants on October 7 while he was stationed at the Gaza border. (IDF)

Itay was one of three brothers, having grown up in the central Israeli city of Netanya. Known for his warmth and sense of humor, he excelled academically and was passionate about basketball, hiking, and rock climbing. Before joining the military, he worked as a camp counselor, demonstrating resilience by completing the summer despite an injury. Driven by a profound sense of duty, he enlisted in 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 have been tireless in their efforts to bring their son home. They engaged with high-ranking officials in both Israel and Washington, including President Trump, pushing for the retrieval of all hostages and the remains of those who perished.

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.