Body of Israeli hostage Itay Chen returned to Israel – Prime Minister’s Office announcement

The Prime Minister’s Office, this morning (Wednesday, 5 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:

Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of fallen hostage Armored Corps Staff-Sgt. Itay Chen, of blessed memory, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and that his identification has been completed.

The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages.

The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all of our fallen hostages for proper burial in their country.

The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return the fallen hostages as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them.

May his memory be for a blessing.