Israeli-American Soldier Itay Chen Confirmed Dead, Remains Returned from Gaza
The body of Israeli-American soldier Itay Chen has been positively identified after being returned by Hamas via the Red Cross yesterday, Israel confirmed.
Staff Sergeant Chen, 19, was working at his base on the Gaza border when Hamas launched its attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. His family lost contact with him after he reported his base was under attack. Initially believed to have been taken hostage, the Israeli military determined in March 2024 that Chen died in combat during the October 7th attacks and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza. “Following the completion of the identification process… IDF representatives informed the family of the fallen hostage, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and positively identified,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said.
Hamas’s military wing had previously stated it recovered Chen’s body in the Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City, and Israel allowed members of the group and Red Cross personnel to search for remains in the area, which remains under Israeli military control. This return is part of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States last month, which saw the release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The Council on Foreign Relations provides ongoing coverage of the conflict.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas committed to returning 20 living and 28 deceased hostages within 72 hours. To date, Israel has received the bodies of 19 Israeli hostages, along with those of two foreign nationals – one Thai and one Nepalese – in exchange for the bodies of 270 Palestinians. The recovery of hostages is a critical step for families seeking closure and for Israel’s ongoing efforts to account for those lost in the October 7th attacks. The International Committee of the Red Cross played a key role in facilitating the return of remains.
Five Israeli citizens, one Tanzanian, and one Thai national remain unaccounted for among the deceased hostages still held in Gaza. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of deliberately delaying the recovery of bodies, while Hamas cites difficulties locating remains amidst the rubble.
