Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Freed Israeli Hostage Alleges Sexual Violence by Captors in Gaza
A young Israeli man named Rom was captured by militants in Gaza from a music festival.
After being held for a long time, he was released.
Rom recently spoke on TV and said that while he was a captive, he was treated very badly.
He explained that he experienced sexual violence, which was meant to make him feel ashamed and lose his dignity.
He also said he was beaten often.
Rom is the first man who was held hostage to share such a story publicly.
The group that captured him has denied his claims.
Other former female hostages and UN experts have also reported similar kinds of abuse happening to hostages.
Freed Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, 21, alleges he was subjected to sexual violence during his captivity in Gaza.
Braslavski states the sexual violence was intended for humiliation and to crush his dignity.
He is the first male hostage to publicly make such an accusation.
Braslavski was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held by Islamic Jihad.
An official from Islamic Jihad denied the allegations of sexual abuse, calling them 'incorrect'.
- Who
- Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old Israeli former hostage
- What
- Braslavski publicly alleged he was subjected to sexual violence, intended for humiliation and to crush his dignity, during his captivity in Gaza. He also described experiencing regular beatings.
- When
- Abducted on October 7, 2023; released on October 13; allegations made in a recent interview.
- Where
- Gaza
- Why
- The alleged sexual violence was intended to humiliate and crush his dignity. He was held captive following the October 7 attack.
Freed Hostage's Account
Militant Group Response
Sexual Abuse Allegations
Freed Hostage's Account
Rom Braslavski, 21, alleges he was subjected to sexual violence by his captors in Gaza, stating its primary purpose was humiliation and to crush his dignity. He is the first male hostage to publicly make such an accusation.
Militant Group Response
An Islamic Jihad official stated that Braslavski's allegations of sexual abuse were 'incorrect'.
General Hostage Treatment
Freed Hostage's Account
Braslavski also described regular beatings during his captivity. UN experts have reported finding clear and convincing information of sexual violence against some hostages. An Israeli government spokesperson called Braslavski's account 'living testimony' of the nature of Gaza's militant groups.
Militant Group Response
Hamas has denied allegations of mistreating hostages. The article also notes that rights groups have documented abuse of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including sexual violence, though Israel denies systematic abuse.
- Hostage Name
- Rom Braslavski
- Age
- 21
- Abduction Date
- October 7, 2023
- Abduction Location
- Nova music festival
- Captors
- Islamic Jihad
- Allegations
- Sexual violence for humiliation, regular beatings
- Release Date
- October 13 (as part of a ceasefire deal)
- Significance
- First male hostage to publicly allege sexual abuse
