Ilana Gritzwesky, former Gaza hostage, recounts abuse in captivity

The former hostage gave testimony about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Hamas terrorists after being taken into captivity on October 7.

Content warning: This article contains disturbing references and descriptions of physical and sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Ilana Gritzwesky, a former hostage taken by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack, testified on the sexual abuse she endured while in captivity to the Foreign Policy and Publicity Subcommittee on Monday, following the publication of the Dinah Project report last week.

During a special Knesset discussion on public diplomacy that followed the release of the report on Hamas’s sexual crimes, Gritzwesky recounted her abduction, describing how she was transported to Gaza on a motorcycle between two Hamas terrorists.

While riding, the terrorist behind her sexually assaulted her. She lost consciousness before they even crossed into Gaza.

Upon arriving in Gaza, Ilana said she woke up on the ground, her shirt raised above her chest and her pants down. Seven terrorists were surrounding her. She told them that she was menstruating, which, according to her testimony, spared her from further assault.

Ilana shared the deep trauma she experienced: “I remember the gun pressed against my head, I remember them laughing as they dragged me by my hair, I remember dirty hands stealing everything I was.”

She added: “I became property, a captive they could come and touch, leaving me in nothing but underwear and a bra whenever they wanted.”

Ilana also called for the return of all hostages still held by Hamas, including her partner, Matan Zangauker. “My country is silent,” she said, addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu. “Why does your political fear outweigh the lives of real people? You won’t be remembered for your speeches, but for your actions.”

A disturbing and systematic pattern of sexual assaults

The report released last week provided the most comprehensive account to date of the rapes and other atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against Israelis in the Gaza border area on October 7, 2023.

The findings from the report revealed a disturbing and systematic pattern of sexual assaults carried out by the terrorists who invaded Israel. This document, which details Hamas’s atrocities, is based on testimony from hostage survivors, eyewitnesses, and aid workers.