Ex-Hostage Romi Gonen Recounts Sexual Assaults by Captors

Romi Gonen, a 25-year-old survivor, has provided a harrowing account of the sexual violence she endured while held captive in Gaza for 471 days. Abducted from the Nova music festival, Gonen detailed repeated assaults by her captors, specifically describing an incident where a Hamas gunman abused her for 30 minutes.

According to her testimony, the gunman appeared 'ecstatic' during the assault while Gonen wept and felt 'paralyzed.' Her account underscores the brutal conditions faced by hostages. The survivor also noted that her captors issued death threats to silence her.

Romi Gonen was abducted from the Nova rave and held in Gaza for a total of 471 days. Her captivity involved severe mistreatment at the hands of her captors. The ordeal began during the attack on the music festival, leading to her transfer into the Gaza Strip.

During her time in captivity, Gonen faced relentless threats and violence. The duration of her detention highlights the prolonged trauma experienced by hostages. Her experience reflects the broader crisis involving individuals taken during the October 7 attacks.

Gonen recounted specific instances of sexual abuse perpetrated by Hamas gunmen. She described a thirty-minute period during which she was assaulted by one captor. The assailant reportedly displayed a demeanor of excitement during the abuse.

While the assault took place, Gonen stated that she wept the entire time and felt physically paralyzed. The psychological impact of these events was compounded by the explicit threats made by the perpetrators. She recalled the captor warning her, "If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you."

The threat of death was a constant tool used by the captors to ensure silence. Gonen was explicitly told that she would be killed if she revealed the sexual assaults to anyone. This intimidation tactic served to isolate her and compound the trauma of the physical abuse.

The combination of physical violence and psychological terror defined her experience in Gaza. Gonen's testimony reveals the calculated nature of the abuse inflicted upon hostages. Her survival through 471 days of such conditions demonstrates the severity of the crisis.

The testimony of Romi Gonen provides a critical perspective on the atrocities committed against hostages. Her detailed account of sexual violence and threats highlights the urgent need for international attention to the humanitarian crisis. The survivor's voice adds to the growing record of crimes committed by Hamas during the conflict.

As the world processes these events, Gonen's bravery in sharing her story serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors. Her experience underscores the devastating human cost of the ongoing violence in the region.