Body of final US hostage Itay Chen, held by Hamas terrorists, brought home after 2 years in captivity

The body of the last U.S. citizen held by Hamas, Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, a 19-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli citizen, has been returned from Gaza for burial, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday. Seven more hostages’ bodies remain in Gaza.

"Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family that Itay had been returned for burial," the military said.

Chen served as a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, while fighting near Kibbutz Nir Oz—one of the hardest-hit communities in Hamas’ brutal attack. 

Around 500 Hamas terrorists stormed the kibbutz, killing 47 people and taking 76 hostages out of the 251 abducted across Israel that day. Chen’s tank was struck during the battle, and his body was taken into Gaza. His death was officially confirmed on March 10, 2024.

BODY OF ISRAELI HOSTAGE WHO WAS HELD FOR NEARLY 700 DAYS IN GAZA IS RECOVERED

Itay was the middle of three brothers. He grew up in Netanya, a city in central Israel, studied in an advanced academic program, and was known for his warmth, humor, and dedication. He loved basketball, hiking, and rock climbing and before joining the army worked as a camp counselor. 

Even after sustaining an injury at camp, he insisted on finishing the summer to set an example for the kids he led. Later he enlisted as an armored-corps soldier, driven by a deep sense of duty to protect others. He leaves behind his parents, Ruby and Hagit, and his brothers Roi and Alon.

Over the past two years, his parents led an unrelenting campaign to bring their son home. They met with senior officials in Israel and Washington, including President Donald Trump, advocating for the return of all hostages and the remains of the fallen.

"The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Chen family and all the families of the fallen hostages," the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. "We will not compromise and will spare no effort until every hostage is brought home. May his memory be blessed."

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said, "The return of Itay brings a measure of relief to a family that lived in agonizing uncertainty for more than two years. We will not rest until the last hostage is returned."

Chen’s funeral will take place this week with full military honors.

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/Km2vl0o

Zelenskyy: Ukraine ‘confidently moving toward’ EU membership after European Commission progress report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is making key progress toward becoming a member state of the European Union (EU).

"The European Commission’s Enlargement Package Report confirms: Ukraine is confidently moving toward EU membership and ready to open Clusters 1, 2, and 6," Zelenskyy wrote Tuesday on X.

"This is the best assessment to date—proof that even as we defend against Russia’s full-scale aggression, Ukraine continues to reform and transform according to European standards."

Ukraine has been an EU candidate country since it applied for membership in February 2022, days after Russia’s invasion began.

EUROPEAN LEADERS WILL JOIN TRUMP-ZELENSKYY MEETING, SIGNALING SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE

The European Commission released its 2025 Enlargement Package Report Tuesday, providing a status update on the progress of Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Turkey and Georgia in meeting the conditions for EU membership.

The commission praised Ukraine for showing "remarkable resilience" in the face of Russia's invasion and a "strong commitment" to its EU accession path, but noted concerns about the country "ensuring a robust and independent anti-corruption framework."

Zelenskyy signed a controversial bill into law in late July that critics said would undermine the independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. Following public protests across Ukraine and international pressure, he signed a new law on July 31 reversing the changes.

The commission called on Ukraine in its report to preserve the independence of anti-corruption institutions and to expand the jurisdiction of NABU.

"Ukraine has adopted roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as an action plan on national minorities, which the Commission assessed positively. Ukraine has met the conditions required to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market)," read a press release from the European Commission.

"The Commission expects Ukraine to meet the conditions to open the remaining three clusters and works to ensure that the Council is in a position to take forward the opening of all clusters before the end of the year."

ZELENSKYY ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON, DC FOR TRUMP MEETING, URGES LASTING PEACE WITH RUSSIA

It added that the Ukrainian government has signaled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028.

"The Commission is committed to support this ambitious objective but considers that, to meet it an acceleration of the pace of reforms is required, notably with regards to the fundamentals, in particular rule of law," the press release continued.

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s prime minister, wrote on X that the report showed the country’s best result in three years.

"The course toward EU membership remains among the top priorities of our President, Parliament, and Government," she said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has blocked Ukraine’s EU accession progress, told reporters in October that he’s proposed a "strategical agreement" with Kyiv instead of advancing talks toward full EU membership.

"Membership is too much," Orbán explained. "We need [a] strategic agreement only."

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/atTpUvd

UN under fire as USAID investigators probe Hamas diversion of aid to Gaza

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to play out, the USAID Office of the Inspector General (USAID OIG) pursues its investigation into allegations of U.S. taxpayer dollars being diverted to foreign terrorist organizations.

A U.S. diplomatic official briefed on USAID OIG’s ongoing investigations told Fox News Digital that the OIG’s office "received and continues to receive reports directly from aid workers and other parties on the ground that counters the sanitized narrative that Hamas was never involved in the theft of American funded aid." The official reported that reports are still being "sent in by whistleblowers and aid workers who are fed up with the U.N.’s failure to identify Hamas as the culprit."

USAID OIG issued its first warnings about the possible diversion of American aid to Gaza in Nov. 2023, noting that it was an "investigative priority to ensure that assistance does not fall into the hands of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), including, but not limited to, Hamas."

In a July 30 update, USAID OIG reported that it was "investigating credible allegations of Hamas interference, diversion, and theft of humanitarian aid in Gaza, as well as allegations of smuggling contraband into Gaza through humanitarian aid shipments."

EXCLUSIVE: WHISTLEBLOWER ALLEGES MISCONDUCT BY UNITED NATIONS IN GAZA

The United Nations has admitted that most of the aid it sent into Gaza after May 2025 was diverted by armed actors and hungry Gazans. Yet the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has stated that Hamas was not responsible for widespread aid diversion.

In July, Reuters reported that a USAID analysis found little evidence of Hamas theft of Gaza aid, something the State Department and the White House disputed. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, told Reuters that it "was likely produced by a deep state operative," seeking to discredit President Donald Trump's "humanitarian agenda."

Over half of USAID programming is obligated to U.N. organizations. However, the USAID OIG reported in July 2024 that since October 2023, it had received "17 reports of alleged misconduct from five USAID-funded implementers," only two of which were submitted by U.N. organizations.

The OIG also noted that U.N. organizations were exempt from USAID’s partner vetting process, which "creates risk to USAID’s programs."

EXPERTS URGE TRUMP TO BAN TERROR-LINKED UN AGENCY FROM HIS GAZA PEACE PLAN

The diplomatic source also reported seeing U.N. duplicity over food deliveries into Gaza firsthand. The source attended Joint Coordination Board meetings where officials from the Israel Defense Forces, U.S. Army, U.S. aid organizations, the U.N. and the International Committee of the Red Cross had "robust, extensive, and productive" discussions about aid deliveries and appeared to share "a sense of mission."

"It was shocking then to read press releases by those same U.N. agencies, the very next day totally body-slamming the government of Israel for failing to coordinate delivery of aid," the official said.

Much of the USAID OIG’s effort since the outbreak of war following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks has concerned Hamas’ infiltration of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The office concluded an investigation in April 2025 that found three UNRWA members were connected with the Oct. 7 attack and another 14 were affiliates of Hamas.

UNRWA previously fired nine employees for their association with the attacks, according to reports.

In July, USAID OIG reported being "unable to obtain from UNRWA" the names of the personnel it fired.

AS ISRAEL FACES BLAME FOR THE HUNGER CRISIS IN GAZA, UN'S OWN DATA SHOWS MOST OF ITS AID IS LOOTED

The diplomatic source said that the USAID OIG investigators "opened an independent investigation, obtaining information that UNRWA refused to provide through other sources and methods," with the goal of ensuring "that UNRWA officials associated with Hamas do not recirculate to other U.S. taxpayer-funded organizations operating in Gaza," the official said.

Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has begun an investigation into UNRWA staff participation in the Oct. 7 attacks, which led to over 1,200 Israelis and 32 Americans being killed and 251 people taken hostage.

In an open letter to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres dated Oct. 27, Comer requested unredacted copies of a U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) report into UNRWA participation in the deadly attack and asked for correspondence and other details about staff who were investigated for their possible roles.

Comer noted that the U.S. provides 22% of the U.N.’s general budget, 40% of its humanitarian budget and 25% of its peacekeeping budget, in addition to providing $343 million in 2022 and $422 million in 2023 to UNRWA. "The requested documents and communications are required for verification that no U.N. entity or NGO receiving American taxpayer funds employs individuals affiliated with or supporting terrorist entities," Comer said.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, told Fox News Digital that the U.N. has been "sharing information with the United States government on matters raised in the letter. We are presently considering the committee’s request and intend to respond with relevant information." Dujarric said he would "not say anything more publicly at this time."

NEW STUDY SAYS AID THEFT BY TERROR GROUPS AND REGIMES IS PROLONGING GLOBAL CONFLICTS

William Deere, director of the UNRWA Representative Office in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital that "the United Nations provided the USAID IG with an unredacted copy of the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigation report months ago. To suggest information is being withheld from the U.S. is simply disingenuous. Following the government of Israel’s initial allegations in January of 2024 of potential UNRWA staff misconduct, Commissioner-General Lazzarini immediately terminated the appointments of the named staff ‘in the interest of the Agency,’ to protect UNRWA’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance."

Deere claimed that, "regrettably, since that time the government of Israel has failed to provide the United States, the United Nations, or UNRWA with the information and evidence that would substantiate its claims against UNRWA employees. Significantly, the government of Israel has also failed to take action against any of the named individuals in their own judicial system. The record is clear, UNRWA investigates every claim brought to it of potential employee misconduct, as evidenced by the multiple requests the agency has made to the Israeli government for the information in these cases."

The U.S. diplomatic official familiar with UNRWA’s investigation disputes the U.N.’s assertion that members of Hamas do not remain on UNRWA’s payroll, saying that "Perhaps ‘some’ of the Oct. 7 terrorists were removed, but UNRWA continues to employ Hamas members, there is no question. They are a subsidiary of Hamas."

A report on Monday by the Washington Free Beacon said a confidential copy of the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) report on UNRWA members’ participation in the Oct. 7 attack claimed to show that OIOS dismissed the evidence provided by Israeli intelligence of intercepted calls between Hamas personnel and UNRWA staff as "likely authentic" but "insufficient" proof of cooperation to support the firing of 10 additional UNRWA employees. Additionally, the report said that the U.N. "did not investigate ties to Hamas outside participation in the Oct. 7 attacks."

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Advisor Richard Goldberg told Fox News Digital that "UNRWA was Hamas in Gaza. It remains a terror and radicalization threat elsewhere. When Israel banned UNRWA in Gaza, it was quickly replaced by other U.N. agencies and NGOs. UNRWA proved neither indispensable nor irreplaceable — a lie repeated by many."

"We also need to dismantle the entire agency in the context of deradicalization," Goldberg said. "Oct. 7 will keep happening again and again so long as UNRWA exists. The Trump plan will fail where UNRWA is present. Arab countries are making peace with Israel. UNRWA is still waging the war of 1948."

USAID OIG confirmed that its "investigations of UNRWA officials affiliated with Hamas are active and ongoing, and intended to prevent the recirculation of terrorists to other U.S.-funded organizations operating in Gaza."

In response to questions about whether the State Department had utilized the USAID OIG report on UNRWA members’ participation in Oct. 7 attacks, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "As a general matter, the department does not comment on internal or investigative reports, nor on actions that may be under consideration. UNRWA was complicit in Oct. 7 and is unfit for purpose. Our policy is that it will not play a role in Gaza again."

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/NfDYMZn

Avalanche in Nepal kills 7 climbers on Mount Yalung Ri

An avalanche on Monday swept through a camp in Nepal, killing five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, officials said.

Five foreigners were injured at the base camp on Mount Yalung Ri, located at 16,070 feet. Their nationalities and identities have not been disclosed.

A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the agency was aware of the avalanche and was working to gather information. 

"The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens," the spokesperson said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance."

DAREDEVIL MOUNTAINEER MAKES HISTORY SKIING DOWN MOUNT EVEREST THROUGH DEATH ZONE WITHOUT OXYGEN

Rescue crews were reaching the site on foot. A rescue helicopter attempted to reach the site, but bad weather forced it to turn back. Nepal's Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa said it will try again Tuesday at dawn.

BLIZZARD TRAPS HUNDREDS ON MOUNT EVEREST AS RESCUE TEAMS RACE TO SAVE LIVES

Mount Yalung Ri is an 18,370-foot peak. It’s considered suitable for beginners with no previous experience climbing high mountains.

Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest.

Earlier this month, a South Korean climber died after getting caught in a powerful storm while attempting to summit a Himalayan peak just south of Mount Everest.

In the autumn months, climbers often scale smaller peaks before the rainy season and winter months.

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/3ZkWM7d

Mexican mayor who took hard line against drug gangs shot and killed at Day of the Dead event

A Mexican mayor who was outspoken in his opposition to drug cartels and pushed for hardline laws against trafficking was killed in a shooting at a Day of the Dead celebration this weekend.

Before his death, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo had been critical of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for what he saw as a lack of effort in combating cartels. His city lies in Michoacán State, which suffers from particularly high levels of cartel violence.

"We need greater determination from the president of Mexico," Manzo told local media in September, vowing not to take "a single step back."

"I do not want to be just another mayor on the list of those who have been executed and had their lives taken away from them," he continued. "I am very afraid, but I must face it with courage."

FAMILY MEMBER OF INFANTS BURNED ALIVE BY CARTEL THANKS TRUMP FOR CRACKDOWN: ‘HOPEFUL FOR THE FIRST TIME’

State officials say Manzo was shot seven times on Saturday night during a Day of the Dead vigil. He died of his wounds in a nearby hospital.

COAST GUARD NABS 50 TONS OF COCAINE BOUND FOR POSH COASTAL ENCLAVES AS CARTEL OPS ‘RIVAL AMAZON’:  EXPERT

Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation into Manzo's killing on Sunday.

"We send our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the residents of Uruapan, who today are experiencing a painful and unjust loss at the hands of organized crime," Harfuch said at a press conference. "There will be no impunity."

Authorities said Manzo's security was extensive, comprised of officers handpicked by Manzo as well as 14 National Guard members.

Manzo's aggressive approach to crime earned him the moniker "Mexican Bukele," referring to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who has led a massive crackdown on gang violence in his country. According to the New York Times, Manzo had been critical of Sheinbaum's approach to cartel issues since her inauguration in October 2024.

"If she thinks she’s going to detain these criminals without a single shot fired and that they’ll just turn themselves in, well, she should get it done," Manzo said in a May speech, referring to Sheinbaum. "And believe me, if she manages to do that, I will immediately submit my resignation."

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/VkjPNua

UK politician Jeremy Corbyn, who was ousted over antisemitism allegations, shows support for Zohran Mamdani

Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour Party leader expelled from his party over antisemitism allegations, was working to help Zohran Mamdani tighten his grip on New York City on Sunday.

Mamdani’s alliance with Corbyn comes within days of the polls opening in the New York City mayoral race, where he is the progressive challenger to the Democrats.

Known for his criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and alignment with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), like Corbyn, Mamdani has faced accusations of antisemitism.

Corbyn, now an independent MP, announced his support for Mamdani on Sunday via Facebook, posting a photo of himself holding up a "North London 4 Zohran" shirt.

NEW JERSEY DEMS SNUB ENDORSING SOCIALIST CANDIDATE MAMDANI AS GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION LOOMS

"Let’s get Zohran over the finish line for a New York that’s affordable for all!" the post read.

"Corbyn supporting Mamdani. What a surprise." commented one social user. "Why are you interfering with influencing politics in New York?" asked another.

Corbyn also shared a phone-banking link which leads a website organized by the DSA’s NYC chapter which is urging volunteers to mobilize voters for Mamdani.

"Join NYC-DSA and Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the UK's Labour Party, as we call New Yorkers to get out the vote for Zohran Mamdani for mayor. We’re just two days from election day, and every conversation pushes us closer to winning a better New York," the website reads.

DNC EMBRACES SOCIALIST MAMDANI AS RESURFACED ANTI-ISRAEL REMARKS RAISE ALARM: 'BIG TENT PARTY'

Corbyn’s well-documented history with antisemitism allegations runs back to 2020 when the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found that the Labour Party under his leadership had committed unlawful acts of discrimination against Jewish members.

Corbyn was suspended and formally expelled from the Labour Party in 2024 because of his response to the report. He has since launched a new left-wing political party called "Your Party," and continues to deny all allegations of antisemitism.

NY STATE DEM BOSS REFUSES TO ENDORSE MAMDANI, CAUSING HUGE RIFT IN PARTY

Reacting to the collaboration, former New York Governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo quickly condemned Mamdani’s decision, writing on X.

"Having Jeremy Corbyn — someone whose party was found to have committed unlawful acts of discrimination against Jewish people under his leadership – phone-banking for @ZohranKMamdani says everything you need to know.

NY doesn’t need politics of moral compromise. We need leadership that rejects antisemitism, extremism, and division in every form and in every corner," he wrote.

MEET MAMDANI'S RADICAL ADVISORY CIRCLE THAT INCLUDES COMMUNIST ACTIVIST, ANTI-ISRAEL ADVOCATES

Meanwhile, a week before the election, a campaign finance watchdog group, the Coolidge Reagan Foundation, filed two criminal referrals against Mamdani, claiming he received illegal contributions from foreign donors.

The Mamdani campaign maintains that any issue regarding financial contributions has been resolved.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Zohran Mamdani for comment.

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/7ZtXPHE

Trump confirms body of American hostage Omer Neutra returned by Hamas

The body of Omer Neutra, a U.S. citizen, has been returned by Hamas along with two other deceased hostages, President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One heading back to Washington from Florida, Trump also said he had spoken to Neutra's parents.

"We got Neutra, from New York, from the United States and I spoke to his parents," the president said.

"They're thrilled in one sense, but in another sense, obviously, not too great. We're very happy to have done it. We have three. We got three bodies back today that they found, and we're looking for the remainder," Trump added.

Neutra had joined the Israeli army after a gap year in Israel in 2020 and had attended college at Binghamton University.

RED CROSS TO RECEIVE 'SEVERAL COFFINS OF DECEASED HOSTAGES' IN GAZA STRIP, IDF SAYS

Earlier Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Israel has received the remains of three Israeli hostages through the Red Cross; the remains were recovered by IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip, according to a statement.

The announcement said the bodies would be transferred to Israel, where they will be honored in a military ceremony led by the Chief Military Rabbi.

Afterward, they will be taken to the National Center of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Health for identification. Once the process is completed, official notifications will be delivered to the families.

All families of the deceased hostages have been informed, and the government expressed deep condolences with the statement saying its "hearts are with them at this difficult time."

RED CROSS TO RECEIVE 'SEVERAL COFFINS OF DECEASED HOSTAGES' IN GAZA STRIP, IDF SAYS

The official statement also reaffirmed Israel’s ongoing commitment to bringing all hostages home and declared that efforts will continue "relentlessly and will not cease until the last hostage is brought home."

The Israeli public was also urged to respect the families’ privacy and avoid spreading unverified information, with updates provided only from official sources.

Though the identities of the bodies have not yet been confirmed, Hamas said they were three Israeli soldiers.

HAMAS HANDS OVER 3 DECEASED HOSTAGES TO RED CROSS, ISRAEL SAYS

So far, Hamas has returned 17 deceased hostages since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10. But 11 other hostage bodies are still thought to be in Gaza.

Per Reuters, Israel claimed Hamas has been slow at delivering the deceased bodies, while Hamas said it is working as quickly as possible but under difficult conditions.

Otherwise, before Sunday's hostage release, Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, killing one, according to reports.

The Israeli army claimed its aircraft struck a militant who was a threat to its forces, while Al-Ahli Hospital said one man had been killed in the airstrike in Gaza City, according to reports.

HAMAS HANDS OVER REMAINS OF HOSTAGE WHOSE BODY WAS RECOVERED NEARLY 2 YEARS AGO

"There are still Hamas pockets in the areas under our control in Gaza, and we are systematically eliminating them," Netanyahu said during an Israeli broadcast.

Hamas had agreed per the ceasefire to hand over the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for the bodies of 360 Palestinian militants that were killed in the Gaza war.

from Latest World News on Fox News https://ift.tt/OWw2n8k