Rom Braslavski Claims Sexual Abuse During His Time in Gaza

Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old Israeli hostage taken from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, has made alarming allegations of sexual abuse during his two-year ordeal in Gaza. His disclosure is notable as it marks the first time a male hostage has reported such experiences, shedding light on the treatment of hostages by Palestinian militant factions.

In a heartfelt interview with Channel 13’s Hazinor programme, Braslavski detailed instances of being stripped, restrained, and systematically dehumanized by his captors, asserting, “What I experienced is sexual violence, with the ultimate aim of humiliation. They sought to destroy my dignity.” He also described the ongoing beatings he suffered, recalling, “Every day, during each beating, you simply pray for it to end. Surviving another day felt like completing another chapter in hell.”

Braslavski was held captive by Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant organization allied with Hamas, implicated in cross-border assaults in October 2023. During his detention, a video emerged depicting Braslavski in a frail state, visibly distressed. He was released on October 13, 2025, as part of a ceasefire that also facilitated the release of 20 other hostages along with approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees.

An Islamic Jihad representative refuted Braslavski’s claims of sexual abuse, labeling them “incorrect” without elaboration. In contrast, an Israeli government spokesperson referred to his narrative as “a stark reflection” of the harsh conditions endured by hostages under Gaza’s militant leadership.

Past reports have highlighted sexual violence against female hostages, and by March 2024, UN experts confirmed that sexual abuse did occur among hostages in Gaza. Hamas, which was responsible for most of the captives, has persistently denied these allegations.

Braslavski’s account illuminates the extensive humanitarian ramifications of the ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 68,000 lives during Israel’s two-year military operations and involved the kidnapping of 251 hostages by Palestinian groups in 2023. Human rights organizations have indicated abuses on both sides, including alleged sexual violence in Israeli detention facilities.

The bravery shown by this former hostage in sharing his story provides essential insights into the human costs of conflict, highlighting the urgent need for investigations into abuses amidst the ongoing war.