Amit Soussana, a former Israeli hostage who was subjected to sexual violence during her 55 days in captivity in Gaza, spoke before the United Nations to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the mandate on sexual violence in conflicts. She described her life before the Hamas attack, highlighting her commitment to privacy. Soussana vividly recalled the day of her abduction, remembering the peaceful Saturday morning that was shattered by armed men breaking into her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Despite significant injuries, she fought back against her captors, including during a traumatic sexual assault. She was eventually released as part of a hostage deal with Hamas.
During her captivity, Soussana was chained by her ankle and experienced sexual assault at the hands of a Hamas terrorist guarding her. Despite the trauma, she was not allowed to show emotion and felt utterly helpless. She was later transferred to a different location where she faced further torture, including being hung upside down and subjected to inhumane conditions. After enduring 55 days of captivity, she was finally released but struggled with survivor’s guilt as she thought about those still held captive and enduring similar nightmares. She made a promise to fight for their freedom and shared her story at the U.N. event.
Soussana pleaded with the U.N. to take immediate action to secure the release of all hostages still held captive by Hamas. She emphasized the responsibility to protect human rights, combat terrorism, and bring those responsible for such heinous crimes to justice. The event also featured Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, who vowed to continue efforts until all 101 hostages are freed from Hamas captivity. The U.N. report published in March acknowledged acts of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, during the Hamas attack on October 7.
The report included testimony from witnesses like Soussana and confirmed the presence of sexual violence against hostages in Gaza. The acknowledgment of these atrocities has shed light on the ongoing abuse faced by hostages still held by Hamas, including women and children. The testimonies shared by survivors like Soussana have highlighted the urgent need for action to secure the freedom of those still in captivity and ensure that no one else suffers a similar fate. The U.N. has been urged to fulfill its duty in protecting human rights, combating terrorism, and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
Soussana’s courageous decision to speak out and share her harrowing experiences has brought attention to the brutal realities faced by hostages in Gaza. Her call for action and plea for the U.N. to intervene and secure the release of those still held captive serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing plight of innocent civilians in conflict zones. As the world awaits a response from the U.N. Security Council, the voices of survivors like Soussana continue to advocate for justice, freedom, and the protection of human rights. The urgency to act is clear, as the lives of hostages hang in the balance, their souls gradually eroded by the atrocities they face.
