Key facts
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 25, was held hostage in Gaza for two years after being abducted on Oct. 7, 2023.
- He stated he was subjected to sexual abuse during his captivity.
- Gilboa-Dalal spoke publicly about his experiences to empower other victims.
- The UN has noted a rise in conflict-related sexual violence globally and verified incidents in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Israel denies allegations of sexual violence by its forces.
- Gilboa-Dalal described his abuse as occurring over two separate assaults, involving threats and physical coercion.
An Israeli man, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was held hostage in Gaza for two years, has publicly detailed his experiences of sexual abuse during captivity. Gilboa-Dalal, 25, spoke out ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, aiming to empower other victims and challenge the United Nations' findings on the matter.
Gilboa-Dalal described two separate assaults, stating he was naked, blindfolded, threatened with death, and physically overpowered. He expressed frustration with the UN's verification process, asserting his firsthand experience. The UN has reported a global increase in conflict-related sexual violence and has verified incidents in Gaza and the West Bank, though Israel denies allegations against its forces.
At least six other released hostages have also shared accounts of sexual assault. Gilboa-Dalal, abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, was released in February 2025. He is now focused on healing and is writing a book and an anime script about his ordeal, emphasizing that victims are not at fault.