US-Israeli Citizen Thought to Be Hostage Actually Died on Oct. 7

Itay Chen's family says Israeli military informed them of their son's death
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 13, 2024 1:30 AM CDT
US-Israeli Citizen Thought to Be Hostage Died on Oct. 7
Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen, speaks to reporters after a meeting with President Joe Biden and the families of Americans who were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks in Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Another American-Israeli citizen thought to be one of the hostages still held by Hamas is actually dead, his parents said Tuesday. Itay Chen, 19, was about a year into his service with Israel Defense Forces when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, and his parents say IDF has now informed them it has intelligence indicating Chen was defending civilians on the Gaza border when he was killed amid Hamas' invasion that day, when his base was attacked, the New York Times and the Guardian report. IDF later issued its own statement confirming Chen (whose surname is also sometimes spelled Hen) was killed, and his body taken into Gaza.

"Our hearts are broken," his parents say in a statement. "We loved him so much, and we would have done anything to bring him home alive." While Chen grew up in Israel, his family often visited New York, his father's hometown. President Biden released a statement mourning Chen's death. "Jill and I are devastated to learn that American Itay Chen was killed by Hamas during its brutal terrorist assault," he said. "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." Hamas is still believed to be holding 130 captives, 32 of whom are presumed dead. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.)

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