Ex-Israeli Hostage Reveals Hamas Abuse and Fear of ‘Sex Slave’ Fate
Romi Gonen, a former Israeli hostage, has publicly shared her harrowing experience during her 471 days in captivity under Hamas. The 25-year-old was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and discussed the trauma of sexual abuse and harassment she faced while held captive.
Frightening Captivity Experience
In a two-part interview broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12, Gonen recounted several incidents of sexual assault by her captors. She described the overwhelming fear and helplessness associated with her trauma. “Only when you’re in this situation can you grasp what happens to the body,” Gonen remarked, emphasizing the psychological impact of her ordeal.
Details of Abuse
Gonen revealed that her most brutal assault occurred when a captor forced her into a bathroom. She recalled crying uncontrollably while he appeared to take pleasure in her suffering. “He was having the time of his life, ecstatic,” she noted.
During her captivity, she often grappled with the fear of becoming a “sex slave” and faced threats from her captors. One particularly threatening encounter involved a gun held to her head while he warned her against speaking out.
First Assault and Subsequent Harassment
Gonen identified the timeline of her assaults, with the first occurring shortly after her abduction. A supposed medic exploited her vulnerability while treating her wounds. “He took everything from me,” she recalled. In the following days, she endured harassment from two captors named Ibrahim and Muhammed, creating a nightmarish reality that left her in constant fear.
Manipulation and Threats from Commanders
At one point, senior Hamas commanders recognized her distress following an assault. They led her to make a phone call, during which Gonen was promised a place at the top of the release list in exchange for her silence about the abuses she endured.
She identified the man on the phone as Izz a Din al-Haddad, a significant figure within Hamas. Gonen stated, “They often silenced my story, but I am here, and no one will silence me anymore.”
Wider Context of Sexual Abuse Among Hostages
Gonen’s experiences are not isolated. A report from the Dinah Project in July 2025 documented similar accounts from 15 individuals, highlighting a pattern of sexual violence used as a weapon of war by Hamas during captivity. In November 2025, Rom Braslavski became the first male hostage to publicly speak about his sexual abuse while held captive.
A 2024 report by the UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, found evidence suggesting that sexual violence, including rape, occurred during the October 7 attacks. These findings underline the urgent need for addressing these human rights violations.
Hamas’ Denial and Ongoing Struggles
Despite the increasing number of testimonies from survivors, Hamas has continuously denied the allegations of sexual abuse. Survivors like Gonen face ongoing struggles as they cope with the profound effects of their traumatic experiences.
Romi Gonen continues to advocate for justice and awareness regarding the abuse experienced by hostages, determined to ensure that her story and those of others are heard.
