Former Israeli hostage Romi Gonen, recently released from captivity in Gaza, has delivered a harrowing account of repeated sexual assaults she allegedly endured at the hands of her captors. Her testimony, aired on Channel 12’s investigative program “Uvda” on December 25, 2025, and reported by The Times of Israel, details a brutal period following her abduction during the October 7 attacks. Gonen’s courageous disclosure sheds critical light on the severe trauma faced by individuals held by Hamas, challenging the world to confront the grim realities of their imprisonment.
Gonen’s ordeal began immediately after her capture, with the first alleged sexual assault occurring on her fourth day in captivity. She recounted how a man, identified as a doctor assigned to treat her injuries, exploited her extreme vulnerability. Under the guise of assisting her during a shower, the alleged perpetrator entered the bathroom, initiating the first of a series of traumatic incidents. “I was injured, I had no power, and I was in a situation in which I couldn’t do anything,” Gonen recalled, emphasizing her helplessness.
The pattern of abuse continued throughout her sixteen days in Hamas custody, encompassing assaults by multiple individuals. Gonen identified a cameraman, responsible for filming propaganda material, and two other men, Muhammad and Ibrahim, as among her alleged abusers. These repeated violations occurred while she was confined to a house, underscoring the constant threat and lack of safety she experienced within her makeshift prison.
Her testimony describes a relentless environment of harassment and intimidation. Gonen detailed instances where captors followed her into bathrooms, stripping away any semblance of privacy. She was explicitly threatened with further violence if she dared to disclose the assaults, a tactic designed to silence her and perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This psychological manipulation compounded the physical trauma, creating an inescapable sense of terror and isolation.
A particularly severe attack unfolded in a different location, where Gonen was subjected to an approximately 30-minute assault in a bathroom. She vividly contrasted her internal agony with the tranquil external environment visible from a window. “I looked through the window and said to myself: ‘Wow. Blue skies, birds chirping, and this is the situation I’m in right now,'” she recounted, highlighting the profound disconnect between the world outside and the horror she faced within.
The psychological toll of these experiences was immense and immediate. Gonen recounted how her abuser brandished a gun and issued stark warnings against revealing the incidents, aiming to instill deep-seated fear. Her internal monologue reflected the despair and terror she felt: “All that went through my head was: ‘Romi, everyone in Israel thinks you’re dead, and you’re going to be a sex slave in captivity.'” This chilling thought underscores the profound sense of hopelessness and degradation inflicted upon her.
Romi Gonen’s decision to share her story publicly is an act of immense courage, offering a rare and deeply disturbing glimpse into the abuses allegedly committed against hostages in Gaza. Her testimony adds a critical dimension to understanding the full scope of suffering endured by those abducted on October 7. It provides a stark human face to the ongoing crisis, demanding global attention to the plight of all captives.
The allegations surface amidst ongoing international efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages taken during the devastating October 7 cross-border assault by Hamas. That day saw thousands of militants infiltrate southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 others. While over 100 hostages were released in a temporary truce in November, many, including women, continue to be held captive.
Gonen’s account resonates with broader concerns raised by human rights organizations and international bodies regarding the treatment of hostages, particularly women. Reports of sexual violence against female captives have emerged previously, though often without specific public testimony from survivors. Her detailed narrative provides crucial evidence and strengthens calls for independent investigations into these grave allegations.
The international community has consistently condemned the taking of hostages as a war crime and has called for their immediate and unconditional release. Gonen’s testimony intensifies these demands, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian access and protection for all individuals held against their will. It also places renewed focus on the accountability of those responsible for such egregious acts.
As the conflict continues, the personal stories of survivors like Romi Gonen become vital in shaping public understanding and galvanizing diplomatic efforts. Her brave disclosure serves as a powerful reminder of the profound human cost of the hostilities and the imperative to ensure justice for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones. The world watches, awaiting further developments and hoping for the safe return of all who remain captive.
