JERUSALEM (AP) — The remains of a hostage in Gaza , Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, have been returned for burial in Israel, the military said Wednesday, in the latest sign of progress under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire .

Chen, 19, of the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade, was abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, after falling from a tank and his death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024, the military said in a statement on X.

“The IDF expresses deep condolences to the family, continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages, and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement,” it said.

The announcement came after the remains of a hostage in Gaza were returned Tuesday. Ahead of the announcement, Hamas had returned the remains of 20 hostages to Israel

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