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Israel on Tuesday confirmed that it had received the remains of Itay Chen, the last US-Israeli hostage held in Gaza, as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that came into effect last month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a coffin containing Chen’s remains was handed over by the Red Cross in Gaza before being transferred to Israel’s national forensic laboratory for identification. Authorities later confirmed the remains belonged to Chen, marking the return of the final US-Israeli hostage.
The confirmation means that seven deceased hostages are still believed to remain in Gaza. The announcement has brought a mix of sorrow and closure to Chen’s family and community after months of uncertainty.
Chen, 19, served as a staff sergeant in the Armored Corps and was stationed near the Gaza border when Hamas launched its deadly assault on October 7. The IDF said he was killed during the initial attack, and his body was subsequently taken into Gaza by militants.
Described by friends as “the center of attention wherever he went,” Chen was remembered for his cheerful spirit and sense of humor. His father, Ruby Chen, previously shared that his son had been a Boy Scout, an avid basketball player, and deeply loved by his family and peers.
“The State of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and of all the families of the fallen hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, adding that the government remains committed to securing the return of all hostages, living and deceased.
The Red Cross facilitated the transfer as part of the terms negotiated under the latest ceasefire, which was brokered with U.S. involvement. The arrangement included humanitarian provisions and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.
Chen’s return has reignited calls within Israel for intensified efforts to recover the remaining hostages and ensure accountability for those still unaccounted for. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum praised the recovery, calling it “a step toward closure for one family, and a reminder of the work still to be done for others.”
As Israel continues to navigate the delicate truce, the repatriation of Itay Chen’s remains serves as both a symbol of progress and a somber reminder of the lingering toll of the conflict.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members