Several former Hamas hostages in Gaza share accounts of sexual assault

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was held captive for nearly 18 months in Gaza after being taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, described being sexually assaulted twice by his captors. The first incident occurred when a Hamas militant pulled him from his cell, blindfolded him, and subjected him to physical abuse, including threats of death if he spoke about it. Gilboa-Dalal, 24 at the time, said the assaults—one lasting 20 minutes—were among the worst moments of his captivity, marked by isolation, starvation, and beatings amid Israeli bombardment. Gilboa-Dalal was freed in October 2024 as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that also released around 2,000 Palestinian detainees from Israeli custody. He has since spoken publicly about the trauma, describing how the assaults haunted him, particularly during sleep, as his mind replayed the events. He admitted to years of self-blame and fear, saying he felt powerless to share his experience while captive. Now, speaking out has become part of his healing process, hoping to empower other survivors to come forward. His account is part of a broader pattern of allegations from former hostages, mostly women, who claim sexual assault by Hamas militants. Some Israeli officials and activists accuse the United Nations and human rights groups of downplaying these reports, while Hamas has denied any such crimes occurred. The allegations come amid ongoing tensions, including documented cases of sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli detention, such as the 2024 alleged gang rape of a man in the Sde Teiman prison, where charges against five Israeli reservists were later dropped. Gilboa-Dalal was captured during Hamas’ attack on the Nova music festival, where militants killed hundreds of attendees. His testimony highlights the psychological toll of captivity, with survivors describing prolonged suffering under threats of violence. The case underscores the complex dynamics of abuse in conflict zones, where victims often face silence due to fear or stigma. His decision to speak publicly reflects a growing demand for accountability amid the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.