Israel is reeling from shocking revelations made by the brother of one of the Israeli hostages abducted and killed by Hamas following the bloody attack on October 7, 2023. During a dramatic session at the Israeli parliament (Knesset) on June 30, 2025, Dani Elgarat claimed that his brother, Itzik Elgarat, was tortured to death after Hamas fighters mistakenly believed he was an Israeli pilot due to a tattoo on his arm.
Itzik, aged 68, endured brutal torture as Hamas interrogators sought military intelligence, thinking he had access to classified information as a pilot. Unfortunately, he did not survive the ordeal and died during interrogation. His body was returned to Israel in February 2025 under a ceasefire agreement that saw dozens of hostages repatriated.
Dani Elgarat stated that these disturbing details about his brother’s final days were revealed to the family by Israeli intelligence officials. He added that Itzik was initially held with another hostage, Eden Alexander, and was later taken for questioning—never to return. ‘My brother was murdered because he suffered a heart attack during Hamas’ torture,’ said Dani.
The incident has sparked outrage among families of hostages who accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of mishandling negotiations for the release of captives still held in Gaza.