Returned Hostage Identified as Itay Chen

IFCJ Canada  |  November 10, 2025

Hamas released the body of a hostage found in Gaza to the Red Cross last week. The Times of Israel reports that it has been identified as Staff Sgt. Itay Chen. He, like many of the IDF soldiers who were taken by Hamas on October 7, was fighting against the terror group at the time Israel was attacked. Chen was in the Nahal Oz area. He also carried American citizenship.

According to a Hamas statement, Chen’s body was recovered earlier Tuesday during excavations in Gaza City’s eastern Shejaiya neighbourhood, which is in an Israeli-held area.

The terror group transferred the casket in the evening to representatives from the Red Cross in Gaza City, who then escorted the remains to IDF troops.

Sgt. Tomer Leibovitz and Cpt. Daniel Perez were in Chen’s crew and were also killed defending against the terrorist attacks. The fourth member, Matan Angrest, was taken alive and was released beforehand. Angrest said at Perez’s funeral that he was ready to go back into Gaza and bring him back.

Chen’s parents asked the government to continue working to bring the remaining seven hostages in Gaza home, so that they may be laid to rest in the Holy Land by their loved ones.

 Victims thought to be missing since October 7 have been found, and their grieving families have been provided with closure. However, we must never forget the brave sacrifices they made. Join us in praying for the families and loved ones, of those who were lost during October 7.