Father of American Israeli held by Hamas for 593 days demands UN act to bring son home

Itay Chen's father calls for a U.N. Special Representative for Hostage Affairs, emphasizing the need for global action against Hamas's violation of humanitarian law.

Ruby is the father of Itay Chen, a 19-year-old Israeli-American who was taken captive by the Hamas terrorist organization on Oct. 7, 2023. Although the Israel Defense Force believes Itay may have been killed, Ruby, who lives in Israel with his wife, Hagit, and their two other children, continues to hold out hope his son is alive.

In March 2024, my family was notified by the IDF that Itay most likely did not survive the October 7 attack. But for over 19 months, Hamas has not been willing to acknowledge that my son is in their possession or what his physical status is. It is believed there are over 30 families with a deceased hostage in Gaza. In addition, there are a recorded 50,000 plus families with a missing family member in areas of conflict worldwide. 

Hamas' actions are the lowest form of terrorist psychological warfare imaginable. What kind of human beings take dead people as future negotiation chips? Who denies them the basic human rights and dignity they deserve?