President Biden said Tuesday he was “devastated” to learn that Itay Chen, a 19-year-old U.S.-Israeli citizen, was killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel.

Chen was among six Americans thought to have been taken hostage alive by Palestinian militants. Yet the Israel Defense Forces confirmed he was killed in the attacks and that his remains were taken into Gaza.

Mr. Biden recounted a White House visit with Chen’s father and brother and “the agony and uncertainty they’ve faced as they prayed for the safe return of their loved one.”

“No one should have to endure even one day of what they have gone through,” Mr. Biden said.

The 130 people still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza are believed to include at least 32 who were killed or have died, according to a CNN tabulation. Chen was an IDF soldier stationed near Gaza.

Israel responded to the Oct. 7 attacks with a military operation in Hamas-controlled Gaza, a strip of land between Israel and Egypt. 

The rising civilian death toll in Gaza has sparked calls for a cease-fire. However, the Biden administration and world leaders have struggled to reach a deal that would end the violence and free the remaining hostages.

“Today, as we join Itay’s parents, brothers, and family in grieving this tragic loss, we keep this reminder close to our hearts,” Mr. Biden said. “And I reaffirm my pledge to all the families of those still held hostage: we are with you. We will never stop working to bring your loved ones home.”

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.