Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, 21, has spoken publicly about enduring sexual violence during his two-year captivity in Gaza. Abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, Braslavski shared his experience in an interview with Channel 13’s Hazinor programme.
He described being stripped naked and tied up, saying the assault aimed to humiliate and crush his dignity. Fighting back tears, Braslavski recalled praying for rescue, calling the ordeal “another day in hell.”
He was held by Islamic Jihad, a militant group allied with Hamas. The group dismissed his claim as “incorrect” when contacted by Reuters. During his captivity, Islamic Jihad released a video showing him emaciated and in pain.
An Israeli government spokesperson called Braslavski’s testimony “living proof” of the militants’ brutality. At least four female hostages have also reported sexual abuse, and UN experts confirmed “clear and convincing” evidence of such violence. Hamas has denied these allegations.
Braslavski was freed on October 13, 2025, among the last 20 hostages released in a ceasefire deal that also freed 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s ongoing investigations include abuse cases against Palestinians held in its prisons.
