Romi Gonen, a former hostage held by Hamas for 15 months, has bravely shared her harrowing experience during a recent television interview with Israel’s Channel 12. Gonen, who was released in January 2025 after a ceasefire, recounted the sexual assaults she endured while in captivity, stating that she was targeted by multiple militants.
In her emotional interview, Gonen, 25, described various forms of sexual violence inflicted upon her, highlighting the trauma she faced at the hands of her captors. Although she refrained from explicitly using the term “rape,” her testimony conveyed the gravity of the assaults. She recalled a specific incident where a guard threatened her, warning her to remain silent or face dire consequences.
Gonen’s recounting of her time in captivity reveals the psychological torment she endured, as she vividly remembered moments of helplessness and fear. “I said to myself: ‘Romi, all of Israel thinks you’re dead, when in fact you’re going to be his sexual slave forever’”, she reflected, illustrating the depth of despair she felt during the assaults.
Her allegations echo a broader narrative, as other former captives have also reported similar experiences of sexual violence while held by Hamas. The militant group has denied these allegations; however, human rights organizations like Amnesty International have documented widespread human rights abuses, including claims of torture and sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas and other armed groups.
Gonen’s courage in speaking out serves as a crucial step in bringing awareness to the international community regarding the realities faced by hostages. Her resolve to not remain silent in the wake of such trauma reflects a powerful message of resilience, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and addressing the atrocities committed during conflicts. The ongoing discourse surrounding these human rights violations emphasizes the need for accountability and justice for those affected, paving the way for healing and advocacy for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.