Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Former Israeli Hostage Recounts Sexual Abuse in Hamas Captivity
Romi Gonen, a young woman from Israel, was taken captive by Hamas during a music festival.
She was held for a very long time, about 471 days.
During this time, she says she was hurt and treated badly by her captors.
She was alone and scared, and some men touched her and threatened her.
She was told not to talk about what happened, but now she is speaking out so others know what she went through.
Hamas says these things did not happen, but Romi and other former hostages say they did.
Romi Gonen, a former Israeli hostage, recounted sexual abuse during 471 days in Hamas captivity.
She was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and released in January 2025.
Gonen described repeated sexual assault, harassment, and threats by several captors, including Ibrahim and Muhammed.
She was offered prioritized release if she agreed to stay silent about her ordeal.
Hamas has denied the allegations of sexual abuse.
- Who
- Romi Gonen, a former Israeli hostage
- What
- Recounted sexual abuse during 471 days in Hamas captivity
- When
- Abducted on October 7, 2023, released in January 2025
- Where
- Gaza
- Why
- To raise awareness about her ordeal and the abuse suffered
- Hostage Name
- Romi Gonen
- Duration of Captivity
- 471 days
- Date of Abduction
- October 7, 2023
- Date of Release
- January 2025
- Location of Abduction
- Nova music festival, Israel
- Alleged Assailants
- Hamas captors, including Ibrahim and Muhammed
- Hamas's Response
- Denied the allegations