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Jun 19, 20261
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Freed Israeli hostage recounts sexual abuse in Gaza, calls for victims to speak out

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, a freed Israeli hostage held in Gaza for two years, has publicly recounted experiences of sexual abuse and assault during his captivity and called for other victims to speak out. Speaking ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, he emphasized his mission to empower survivors while expressing frustration with U.N. investigations into allegations.



Quick Facts
Who
Guy Gilboa-Dalal
What
Israeli hostage recounts sexual abuse in Gaza
When
October 7, 2023
Where
Gaza Strip
- Israeli hostage recounts sexual abuse in Gaza
- Public speaking engagement to empower victims of sexual assault
- Two separate sexual assaults during captivity
- Hostages held in underground cells with forced starvation
- United Nations investigates conflict-related sexual violence
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, a 25-year-old Israeli man released after two years in captivity in Gaza, has publicly recounted experiences of sexual abuse while held by Palestinian militants. Speaking ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Gilboa-Dalal said he was sexually assaulted on two separate occasions during his captivity, which began after Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, when he and approximately 250 others were abducted.
Gilboa-Dalal described harrowing conditions during his captivity, including being held in a narrow underground cell with three other hostages, forced starvation, and denial of basic hygiene. He recounted that during the assaults, he was naked and blindfolded while his captors threatened to kill him if he spoke about the abuse. At least six released hostages have publicly shared similar experiences of sexual assault in captivity, with Gilboa-Dalal first speaking to Israeli media about the attacks in November 2025, about a month after his release.
In remarks with Israel's first lady Michal Herzog in Jerusalem, Gilboa-Dalal emphasized his mission to empower other victims of sexual violence in conflict zones. "I feel like I have a mission to spread to the world, to use my voice and empower other victims of sexual assaults," he said, adding that he wanted survivors to know "they're not alone." He expressed frustration with the United Nations' handling of allegations, stating that investigators had no right to question what happened when he had lived through it.
The issue of conflict-related sexual violence has become highly politicized in the Israel-Palestinian conflict since October 7. According to the United Nations, such violence is rising globally, with cases more than doubling in 2025. The U.N. has documented allegations of widespread rape during the initial Hamas attacks and has verified multiple incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by Israeli military and security forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank—charges Israel denies. This year, for the first time, the U.N. included Israel's armed and security forces on its list of parties "credibly suspected" of committing patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict, alongside Hamas.
Why This Matters
This account brings critical visibility to sexual violence in armed conflict, challenging international investigative processes and expanding the public record on hostage experiences. Gilboa-Dalal's willingness to speak publicly may embolden other survivors and influence how UN bodies and governments document and respond to conflict-related sexual assault allegations.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 7, 2023
WireHamas-led attacks on Israel; Guy Gilboa-Dalal and approximately 250 others abducted
Jan 1, 2025
WireU.N. special representative reports finding 'clear and convincing information' of sexual abuse against hostages
Jan 1, 2026
WireU.N. includes Israel's armed and security forces on list of parties credibly suspected of sexual violence in conflict for first time
Jun 19, 2026
WireGilboa-Dalal speaks with Israel's first lady ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict