Hamas Releases Remains of Last US Citizen Among Hostages

The body of an IDF staff sergeant, who was an American Israeli dual citizen, was returned to Israel. There remain seven hostage bodies still missing for Israel.

Hostage Itay Chen (L) with brothers Roy and Alon and parents Ruby and Hagit (R), in an undated photo taken in Italy. Courtesy of Ruby Chen

The body of the last remaining U.S. citizen who was among the 251 hostages taken by Hamas from Israel into Gaza in October 2023 has been released, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday night.

In the latest sign of progress under the U.S.-brokered cease-fire, the body of IDF soldier Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, who was an American Israeli dual citizen, was received by the Red Cross in Gaza and returned to Israel for burial.