Autopsy Reveals Israeli Hostage Itzik Elgarat Was Tortured to Death by Hamas
An autopsy revealed that Itzik Elgarat, abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, died from torture during interrogation, suffering severe injuries including broken ribs and toes. His brother Danny shared the devastating findings, highlighting the brutality faced by hostages in captivity.
An autopsy has revealed that Itzik Elgarat, abducted from Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, was tortured to death while in captivity, according to his brother Danny Elgarat. The findings, disclosed on August 14, 2025, show that Itzik suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken ribs from external pressure, broken big toes, and a broken nose, sustained during a brutal interrogation. Itzik’s body was returned to Israel as part of a previous hostage deal, but the extent of his suffering has only now come to light.
Danny Elgarat shared the harrowing details, stating, “Itzik didn’t die from a heart attack. His body arrived with many broken ribs as a result of external pressure to the chest, broken big toes, and a broken nose.” He noted that while the cause of death was not legally conclusive, “it was stated that such a scope of breaks in a living human could cause their death.” Speaking at the Knesset last month, Danny initially reported that his brother died of a heart attack during interrogation, as Hamas suspected Itzik was a pilot.
Further details emerged after a meeting with intelligence personnel. “Yesterday, intelligence personnel came to see me and updated .” He recounted a chilling account from Edan Alexander, a fellow hostage held with Itzik: “My brother was held together with Edan Alexander, and one day, they took him out for interrogation. They suspected my brother was a pilot. He never came back from that interrogation.” When Edan inquired about Itzik’s fate, Hamas operatives callously responded that he had “gone,” with Danny tearfully confirming, “Itzik suffered a heart attack from the torture during the interrogation.”
The revelation underscores the brutal treatment of hostages by Hamas, amplifying calls for accountability amid ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations. The October 7 attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 individuals, continues to cast a long shadow, with families like the Elgarats grappling with profound loss and trauma.