WASHINGTON ― Itay Chen, an American-Israeli soldier who went missing during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, was confirmed dead Tuesday by the Israel Defense Forces.
The family of Chen, a 19-year-old IDF soldier and dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who was stationed at the Gaza Strip border, had worked to free the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza in hopes that Chen was among them.
But the IDF, citing new intelligence, said Chen’s body was taken to Gaza by Hamas militants after he was killed during the Oct. 7 attack. His remains are still in Gaza.
“Our hearts are broken. We loved him so much, and we would have done anything to bring him home alive,” Ruby and Hagit Chen, parents of Itay Chen, said in a statement.
The news of his death comes as the Biden administration’s efforts to secure a six-week cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has stalled, with Hamas unwilling to sign on to a truce. Hamas has not released a list of the approximately 40 hostages believed to be remaining in Gaza.
Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, said five Americans remain hostages in Gaza.
Biden offered condolences to Chen’s family in a statement. “Today, our hearts are heavy,” Biden said, adding that he and the first lady were devastated to learn that Itay Chen was killed.
Chen was born and raised in New York City − rooting on American sports, playing basketball and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each day − before later moving with his family to Israel. The family, unable to reach Chen after the Oct. 7 attack, was told by the IDF that his status was missing in action, or MIA.
“I wake up not knowing where my son slept last night, whether he was given any food or water, whether he’s been injured. We don’t even know if he is alive,” Ruby Chen wrote in a USA TODAY op-ed published Jan. 22.
Ruby Chen was among the family members of hostage victims who met with Biden at the White House in December.
“No one should have to endure even one day of what they have gone through,” Biden said of the Chen family, recalling a menorah that Ruby Chen handed him at the end of the meeting as a reminder that “light will always dispel the darkness, and evil will not win.”
“Today, as we join Itay’s parents, brothers, and family in grieving this tragic loss, we keep this reminder close to our hearts,” Biden said. “And I reaffirm my pledge to all the families of those still held hostage: we are with you. We will never stop working to bring your loved ones home.”
Chen’s parents thanked the Biden administration, U.S. members of Congress, and the American people for their “unwavering support and prayers over the last 158 days.”
“Even more so today, we expect Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden to do everything in their power to bring Itay, as well as the other 133 hostages, back home to us,” Chen’s parents said in their statement on Tuesday. “We have come to know all of the families who are waiting for their loved ones, and we will not stop working until every single hostage comes home.”
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
