Summary: The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the return of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and the last American held by Hamas, from Gaza for burial. Chen, who served in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade, was killed on October 7, 2023, when his tank was struck near Kibbutz Nahal Oz; his death was confirmed March 10, 2024. Seven other hostages' remains remain in Gaza. His family, who campaigned in Israel and Washington for his return, will bury him this week with full military honors.
Itay Chen, Last U.S. Citizen Held by Hamas, Returned from Gaza for Burial After 15 Months
Summary: The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the return of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and the last American held by Hamas, from Gaza for burial. Chen, who served in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade, was killed on October 7, 2023, when his tank was struck near Kibbutz Nahal Oz; his death was confirmed March 10, 2024. Seven other hostages' remains remain in Gaza. His family, who campaigned in Israel and Washington for his return, will bury him this week with full military honors.
07:51, 05.11.2025Conflict
Body of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen Returned from Gaza for Burial
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday that the body of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and the last American held by Hamas, has been returned from Gaza for burial. Officials said the remains of seven other hostages still remain in Gaza.
"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," the military said.
Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed on the morning of October 7, 2023, while fighting near Kibbutz Nahal Oz—one of the communities hardest hit in Hamas's attack that day. During the battle his tank was struck and his body was taken into Gaza; his death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.
Itay was the middle of three brothers and grew up in Netanya. A student in an advanced academic program, he was remembered by family and friends for his warmth, humor and commitment. He loved basketball, hiking and rock climbing, and worked as a camp counselor before enlisting. Even after suffering an injury while working at camp, he insisted on finishing the season to set an example for the children he led.
Driven by a strong sense of duty, Chen enlisted in the armored corps to protect others. He is survived by his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and his brothers, Roi and Alon.
Over the past year the family led a tireless campaign to press for his return, meeting with senior officials in Israel and Washington to advocate for the repatriation of hostages and the remains of the fallen.
"The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages. We will not compromise and will spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed," the Prime Minister's Office 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," the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.
Funeral arrangements: Chen will be laid to rest this week with full military honors.
Note: Officials say the remains of seven other hostages remain in Gaza. The identification process was completed by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in coordination with Israeli authorities and the Military Rabbinate.