The Return of Itay Chen: A Hostage's Journey Home

Wed Nov 19 2025 10:29:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel confirms the return of Itay Chen's remains, an Israeli-American soldier held by Hamas during the Gaza conflict. The process reflects ongoing negotiations and humanitarian efforts amid the unfolding crisis.

Israel has announced the return of the body of Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, an Israeli-American soldier who lost his life during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. His remains were handed over as part of a ceasefire deal facilitated by the U.S. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the return raises questions regarding the fate of other hostages and the intricate peace negotiations at play.

Israel has confirmed the latest body of a hostage returned by Hamas via the Red Cross is that of Israeli-American soldier Itay Chen.

The 19-year-old's remains were handed over on Tuesday as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump last month.

Following the completion of the identification process... [Israel Defense Forces] representatives informed the family of the fallen hostage, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and positively identified, the Israeli prime minister's office said.

Earlier, Hamas's military wing said it had recovered the body of an Israeli soldier in the eastern Shejaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City.

Israel had allowed members of the Palestinian armed group and Red Cross staff to search for the remains in the area, which is inside territory still controlled by Israeli forces.

Staff Sgt Chen was serving as a soldier in the IDF's 7th Brigade when Hamas-led gunmen attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

The IDF said he was killed inside a tank during a battle in Kibbutz Nir Oz and that his body was taken to Gaza as a hostage by Hamas.

The remains of Itay Chen, a young American taken hostage by Hamas at just 19 years old, have finally returned home. We honour his life, mourn his loss, and stand with his family, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel welcomed his return but also stressed that there were still seven deceased hostages in Gaza. Please don't stop until they are all back home. Until the last hostage, it said.

The Israeli government has accused Hamas of deliberately delaying recovery of the dead hostages since the ceasefire deal took effect on 10 October.

Hamas has insisted it is difficult to locate the bodies under rubble.

The slow progress has hindered advancements on the second phase of President Trump's Gaza peace plan, which includes governance and disarmament proposals.

The U.S. has reportedly drafted a UN Security Council resolution for transitional governance in Gaza, aiming for peace and security measures.

Under the ceasefire deal, Hamas agreed to return the 20 living and 28 dead hostages it was still holding within 72 hours.

All living Israeli hostages were released on 13 October in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel has since transferred the bodies of Palestinian detainees in multiple exchanges for hostages.

Itay Chen's return brings some closure, but the fate of others remains a significant emotional burden for families affected by the ongoing conflict.