The nation awoke to somber news early Wednesday as the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the body of abducted IDF soldier Sergeant Itay Chen had been returned to Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization.
“Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of the abducted fallen soldier, Sergeant Itay Chen, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and positively identified,” the statement read.
The announcement expressed the state’s profound grief and its continuing mission to recover every soldier who has not yet been brought home. “The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and of all the families of the abducted fallen. The government and the entire security and intelligence apparatus of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to bring all our abducted fallen back for proper burial in their homeland.”
Military officials said that Chen lost his life while fighting bravely in a tank battle near Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7, 2023, before being taken by Hamas militants.
Only 19 years old at the time of his death, Itay’s passing was formally confirmed on March 10, 2024. He leaves behind his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and two brothers. Chen was also the final hostage in Gaza who held American citizenship.
Israel believes Hamas is still holding the remains of seven other hostages murdered in captivity.
Earlier in the day, the IDF had confirmed that a coffin containing the remains of a hostage had been handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross, which then transferred it to Israeli authorities.
Upon its arrival, the coffin was received in a solemn military ceremony led by an IDF rabbi before being taken to the Health Ministry’s National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification.
“Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages,” the IDF stated.
