Ruby Chen, whose son Itay Chen was abducted and killed by Hamas, addressed the United Nations Security Council in New York, making a heartfelt appeal for the enforcement of UN Resolution 2474. The resolution mandates that warring parties are obligated to return the remains of hostages and missing persons during armed conflict.
Chen recounted how his son Itay, who served in the IDF and was a citizen of the United States, Germany, and Israel, was taken captive by Hamas during their brutal October 7, 2023 assault. After months of uncertainty, Israeli intelligence determined in March 2024 that Itay had been killed.
Despite this, Hamas continues to withhold any confirmation regarding Itay’s death or even acknowledge his capture. Addressing the council, Chen stated, “I think this is the lowest form of terrorist psychological warfare imaginable.”
“Hamas, by refusing to provide information or access to hostages, even to peace-making entities such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, are in clear violation of this resolution and of international law,” he declared. He emphasized that UN Resolution 2474 applies equally to governments and groups like Hamas, compelling them to account for missing individuals.
Chen maintained that his son’s status—whether alive or not—does not strip him of his classification as a hostage. “His son’s ‘physical status, whatever it might be, does not make him any less of a hostage,’” he insisted.
He called on the United Nations to take concrete steps to enforce the resolution. “Resolution 2474 ‘must not remain symbolic. It must become enforceable,’” he said, adding that it provides not just a legal foundation, but also “a moral framework to condemn Hamas for its actions and to sanction its backers, such as Iran.”
Chen also pressed the UN to appoint a special envoy solely focused on hostage issues. “Without one,” he said, the global institution “leaves families like ours without a vocal point, without guidance, and without adequate representation.”
Turning to the ongoing discussions in Doha aimed at negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release deal, Chen warned against moving forward without ensuring the return of all captives. “We also cannot allow a reality where there will be a new UN resolution declaring an end of violence in Gaza without the release of the last hostage.”
“Bring them home now,” he concluded with urgency.
Earlier in the evening, Leah Goldin, mother of Lt. Hadar Goldin who was slain and seized by Hamas on August 1, 2014, also spoke before the Security Council. She implored its members to remain faithful to their promise of ensuring the return of missing persons.
{Matzav.com}