JERUSALEM (AP) — Guy Gilboa-Dalal, a 25-year-old Israeli man, has spoken out about his experience of sexual abuse during his two years as a hostage in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. He aims to use his voice to empower other victims of sexual violence, especially in conflict zones, ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

In a conversation with Israel's first lady, Michal Herzog, Gilboa-Dalal expressed his desire to connect with other survivors, stating, "I want people who have been through those experiences to know that they’re not alone." His statement comes at a critical time, as the United Nations reports a significant increase in conflict-related sexual violence worldwide, with cases doubling in 2025.

Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, the issue of sexual violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict has gained political attention. Rights groups and the U.N. have documented numerous allegations, including instances of widespread rape during the initial Hamas assaults. Furthermore, the U.N. confirmed incidents of sexual violence as a form of torture allegedly perpetrated by Israeli military forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, claims that Israel continues to deny.

This year marks the first time the U.N. included Israel’s armed forces on a list of parties suspected of committing patterns of sexual violence in armed conflicts, with Hamas having previously occupied this position. Pramila Patten, the U.N.'s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, indicated that there was credible evidence of abuse endured by some hostages, including reports of sexualized torture. However, the U.N. has faced challenges in verifying public allegations about abuse by Palestinian captors, citing Israeli restrictions on investigatory access.

Gilboa-Dalal detailed the traumatic events he encountered, describing them as occurring over two separate assaults that took place more than a year into his captivity. He recounted feelings of helplessness, stating that he "froze" in fear during the assaults while being held in squalid conditions, deprived of proper food and hygiene. He expressed frustration towards the U.N.’s inability to accurately reflect his experiences, saying, "They have no right to say what happened or what didn’t happen; I was there, not them."

At least six other rescued hostages have reported sexual assault while in captivity, with Gilboa-Dalal having initially disclosed these experiences shortly after his release in November 2023. He described his abuse in terrifying detail, noting that he was often naked and blindfolded, held at knife and gunpoint by his captor. The constant surveillance made it difficult for him to disclose the abuse to fellow hostages until just before one was released during a temporary ceasefire in February 2025.

Currently focused on healing and spending time with his family, Gilboa-Dalal is also channeling his experiences into writing a book and an anime script. He has emphasized his concern for other survivors, many of whom may feel isolated and struggle with feelings of self-blame regarding their trauma. He reassured them, saying, "But it wasn’t my fault and it wasn’t any of the victims’ fault."