Sgt. Itay Chen, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, declared deceased

The IDF reports that 19-year-old Sgt. Itay Chen from Netanya has been declared dead by the Military Rabbinate based on findings and new intelligence information.

Chen served in the 7th Armored Brigade's 75th Battalion. His body was taken from the Gaza border, following a battle with terrorists during the Hamas onslaught.

The IDF has notified his family. According to available information, Itay Chen's body is still being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

249 soldiers have died since the beginning of the ground offensive in Gaza on October 27.