Three years later, families mourn and demand accountability for 2023 Hamas attack

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Families of victims from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack continue to mourn and seek accountability, with Ruby Chen finally able to visit her son Itay’s grave after he was held captive and killed, marking a bittersweet step toward closure. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the American victims and calling for justice, as advocates push for greater transparency, reparations from Iran, and regional peace efforts through the Abraham Accords.

Nearly three years after the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, families of victims continue to mourn and call for accountability amid unresolved questions surrounding the assault. Among them is Ruby Chen, whose 19-year-old son Itay, an Israeli American soldier, was kidnapped during the incursion and later killed. Itay was held captive in Gaza until November 2025, making him the last American hostage returned.

For more than two years following the attack, Chen said his family lacked a physical site to grieve, marking each anniversary in a state of suspended sorrow. This year, Chen’s family will visit Itay’s grave for the first time on the anniversary of his abduction and death, providing a measure of closure after a prolonged wait. Chen credited former President Donald Trump, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for their efforts in ensuring Itay’s return and burial, emphasizing their commitment to not leaving American citizens behind.

The October 7, 2023, attack was one of the deadliest assaults on Americans since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, claiming nearly 50 American lives. However, Chen lamented that many in the United States remain unaware of the scale of American casualties, or the names of those lost, such as Adrienne Neta, Aryeh Ziering, and Cindy Flash. He stressed these Americans were not distant participants in a foreign conflict but victims directly impacted by the attack.

Families of victims continue to demand transparency and accountability regarding how Hamas was able to breach the border and carry out the attack. Chen expressed deep frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to initiate a state commission of inquiry, leaving surviving families without official answers. “Grief without answers is a wound that cannot close,” Chen said.

In the U.S. political arena, there have been recent efforts to honor the victims. On September 30, Senators Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) sponsored a unanimous bipartisan Senate resolution that acknowledged the American victims by name and pledged to pursue justice on behalf of their families. The resolution also called for comprehensive support for affected families.

Chen highlighted ongoing debate regarding the fate of frozen Iranian assets, arguing that, as a primary financial backer of Hamas, Iran should be held accountable. He urged that portions of these assets be allocated to families of victims of the October 7 assault, as well as those affected by other terrorist acts, such as September 11. Chen emphasized that the U.S. must send a clear message to Tehran about responsibility for the actions of its proxy groups.

Looking forward, Chen pointed to the Abraham Accords as a potential avenue to prevent future violence. He advocated for expanded economic integration and partnerships between Israel and Arab nations, envisioning them as steps to foster stability and create alternatives to conflict. According to Chen, such initiatives can serve as a living memorial to those lost, by building a Middle East where future generations have reasons to pursue peace rather than war.

This October 7, families like the Chens will gather to remember their loved ones, hoping their sacrifices spur remembrance, justice, and lasting regional progress.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.