The Prime Minister’s Office announced early Wednesday morning that the body of abducted fallen soldier Sergeant Itay Chen has been returned to Israel by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas.
“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 said.
“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.”
According to the information and intelligence available to the IDF, Chen fell during combat in a tank in the battle in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of October 7, 2023, and was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization.
Itay was 19 years old at the time of his death. His death was officially determined on March 10, 2024. He is survived by his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and two brothers. Chen was the last hostage with US citizenship who was held in Gaza.
Hamas continues to hold the bodies of seven murdered hostages.
The IDF announced earlier that the coffin of a deceased hostage had been transferred into its custody. The coffin was given by the Hamas terrorist organization to the Red Cross, which transferred the body to Israeli authorities.
Upon arrival in Israel, the coffin was received in a military ceremony with the participation of an IDF rabbi. It was then transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine.
"Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages," the IDF stated.