The remains of Itay Chen, the last American hostage held in Gaza, were returned by Hamas to Israel late Tuesday night, authorities announced.
Chen was an Israeli-American who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Oct. 7, 2023, until Hamas militants attacked his tank and abducted him, according to a post by the IDF.
His body was returned Tuesday and officially identified at the National Institute for Forensic Medicine on Wednesday morning, according to The Jerusalem Post, citing the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on X.
Chen was born in the United States but lived in Israel. Ever since his capture, his father Ruby Chen has been an outspoken advocate for the hostages held in Gaza. He delivered a speech in May at the United Nations (UN).
🟡 IDF representatives informed the family of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen that he has been returned for burial.
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF:
SSGT Itay Chen, 19, served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade. He fell… pic.twitter.com/XOLQX86wgK— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 4, 2025
After President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the terrorist group has slowly begun releasing hostages and returning their remains.
The most recent announcement comes after the remains of three other IDF soldiers were returned to Israel Monday, according to The Jerusalem Post. (RELATED: Trump Plan For ‘Enforcement Force’ In Gaza Goes To UN Security Council)
The remains of 21 hostages have been returned to Israel by Hamas, CBS News reported, citing the IDF. The bodies of at least 270 Palestinians have been released by Israel, according to the outlet.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the IDF did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment.
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