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Former Hostage Reveals Harrowing 471 Days in Hamas Captivity

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Romi Gonen, a 25-year-old former Israeli hostage, described 471 days in Hamas captivity and multiple sexual assaults in a Channel 12 interview.
She said one assault occurred at Shifa Hospital after her abduction from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog praised her courage, noting the condemnation of Hamas's use of sexual violence by the United Nations and Amnesty International.

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Story summary

Romi Gonen, a 25-year-old former Israeli hostage, described 471 days in Hamas captivity and multiple sexual assaults in a Channel 12 interview.
She said one assault occurred at Shifa Hospital after her abduction from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog praised her courage, noting the condemnation of Hamas's use of sexual violence by the United Nations and Amnesty International.