Israeli authorities confirmed on Wednesday that remains received from Hamas belong to 19-year-old U.S.-Israeli soldier Itay Chen, who was killed during the group’s October 2023 assault near Gaza. Chen, a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion, had been missing since the attack that sparked renewed hostilities in the region.
The recovery occurred through a Red Cross-mediated exchange under the ongoing ceasefire, which began October 10. Hamas stated the body was found in Gaza City’s Shuja'iyya neighborhood, an area still under Israeli military control. This marks the 21st hostage remains returned since the truce began.
While the ceasefire has reduced violence, Gaza health authorities report at least 240 Palestinian fatalities since October 11, with total casualties from Israeli strikes nearing 70,000. The fragile agreement highlights both humanitarian efforts and unresolved tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Chen’s case underscores the personal toll of the crisis, drawing international attention to hostage recovery processes and ceasefire dynamics. Analysts note the exchange could influence future negotiations, though sporadic clashes persist despite the truce.
