Overview
- IDF officials notified the family after confirming the identification with Israel’s forensic institute, police, and the Military Rabbinate, with a funeral to be held with full military honors this week.
- Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen in an IDF tank crew near Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, was officially deemed killed in action by the IDF in March 2024.
- Chen’s parents issued their first public remarks in Tel Aviv, pledging to continue pressing for the return of all remaining hostages and remains and thanking U.S. and German officials for support.
- Hamas representatives said they located Chen’s body during excavations in Gaza City, a claim reported alongside ongoing verification and recovery challenges.
- Sgt. First Class Matan Angrest, the fourth member of Chen’s crew, returned alive last month under the ceasefire deal, while families and advocacy groups say others have yet to be brought home.