Ruby Chen Urges Congress to Probe 46 American Deaths by Hamas After 966 Days
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Ruby Chen Urges Congress to Probe 46 American Deaths by Hamas After 966 Days
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
Ruby Chen, father of slain hostage Itay Chen, called on Congress to create a formal bipartisan committee to investigate the 46 Americans killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
966 days after the attack, Chen said evidence is degrading, witnesses are dispersing and only a congressional inquiry with subpoena power and resources can establish accountability.
Chen argued Congress has acted after smaller death tolls before, citing eight Benghazi investigations after four Americans were killed and a House probe after 19 died in the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing.
Israel is unlikely to deliver a full accounting soon, Chen said, because domestic politics have stalled a comprehensive investigation into the more than 2,000 Israelis killed, including the 46 Americans.
He framed the demand as a nonpartisan test of whether the United States will apply its longstanding standard consistently when Americans are kidnapped or killed abroad.
If an ally won't investigate American deaths on its soil, what is the U.S. government's ultimate responsibility to its citizens?
With billions in aid sent since the attack, why are American victims’ families still pleading for a U.S. investigation?
Demanding Justice for Americans Killed on October 7: Ruby Chen’s Call for Congressional Investigation and U.S. Counterterrorism Lessons
Overview
In May 2026, Ruby Chen intensified his advocacy by urgently calling for a U.S. Congressional investigation into the deaths of American citizens killed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This plea is deeply personal, as his son, Itay Chen, was among the victims. After Itay’s remains were returned in November 2025, his mother, Hagit Chen, expressed both sorrow and relief. The tragedy highlights the pain endured by families and the need for accountability. Ruby Chen’s efforts reflect the broader demand for justice and a thorough examination of the events that led to the loss of American lives.