Former Israeli Hostage Alleges Sexual Assault in Gaza Captivity
Rom Braslavski, a 21-year-old former Israeli hostage, has publicly alleged sexual assault during his two-year captivity in Gaza. Mr. Braslavski, released last month as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, is the first male former hostage to make such an allegation publicly.
Details of the Allegation
Mr. Braslavski stated in an interview with Channel 13's Hazinor program that he was stripped naked and tied up by members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). He described the experience as sexual violence intended for humiliation.
His account details his capture on October 7, 2023, while working as a security guard at the Nova music festival during attacks by Hamas and allied Palestinian armed groups on southern Israel. These attacks resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has reportedly resulted in over 68,800 deaths, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Mr. Braslavski reported a deterioration in his treatment by PIJ following his refusal to convert from Judaism to Islam in March this year. He claimed he was kept blindfolded for three weeks, had stones placed in his ears to restrict hearing, and experienced reduced food and water rations. He further stated that his captors received an order to torture him, leading to repeated incidents of him being tied up, punched, and whipped with a metal cable.
A video posted by PIJ in August depicted Mr. Braslavski appearing to be in distress, stating a lack of food and water and an inability to stand or walk. Following this video, he alleged that sexual assaults began. He described being stripped of all clothing, including underwear, and tied up while naked. When asked about further similar actions, he stated, "It's hard for me to talk about this part specifically. I don't like to talk about it. And it's hard. It was a horrific thing."
Responses to Allegations
Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged Mr. Braslavski's testimony, citing his "courage in sharing the horrors of his captivity, including a horrific sexual assault he endured." President Herzog remarked that the world should comprehend the extent of "crimes committed by the terrorists in Gaza, heinous cruelty, sexual violence, and abuse."
A PIJ official told Reuters news agency that Mr. Braslavski's allegation of sexual assault was "incorrect," without providing additional details.
Broader Context of Sexual Violence Allegations
At least four women who were formerly held as hostages have publicly spoken about alleged incidents of sexual abuse against themselves or other captives.
In March 2024, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict reported "convincing information" of rape and sexualized torture committed against some hostages in Gaza. The report also indicated "reasonable grounds to believe that sexual violence occurred in multiple locations," including rape and gang rape, during the October 7 attacks. Hamas denied the report's findings.
A UN commission of inquiry report issued in March stated that Israel had "increasingly employed sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians," including "forced public stripping and nudity, sexual harassment including threats of rape, as well as sexual assault." Israel described these allegations as "unfounded."
Related Incident
Last week, the former top lawyer in the Israeli military resigned, accepting responsibility for the leaking of a video. This video reportedly depicted soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee at an Israeli base last year. The detainee received treatment for severe injuries, including an alleged stabbing in the rectum. Five soldiers have been charged in connection with this incident.