Israel confirmed Wednesday that remains received from Hamas belong to 19-year-old U.S.-Israeli soldier Itay Chen, whose body was taken to Gaza during the group’s October 2023 attack. Chen, a combat soldier stationed near the Gaza border, was killed during the assault and later identified through a recent ceasefire-mediated exchange. 🕯️
A Bittersweet Handover
Hamas transferred Chen’s remains via the Red Cross as part of ongoing truce efforts, marking the 21st hostage body returned since the ceasefire began. Earlier, Hamas claimed to have discovered the remains in Gaza City’s Shuja'iyya neighborhood—an area still under Israeli control—after gaining access to the site.
Ceasefire Reality Check
While the October 10 ceasefire has reduced attacks, Gaza health authorities report over 240 Palestinian deaths and 607 injuries since October 11. The total death toll from Israeli strikes since 2023 now nears 70,000, underscoring the conflict’s devastating human cost. 💔
As fragile truce talks continue, Chen’s recovery offers his family closure but highlights the unresolved trauma for thousands caught in the crossfire. 🌍✌️
