Freed Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov revealed Thursday that he experienced sexual harassment while held captive in Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The revelation came during an interview with the BBC, nearly 500 days after his release in February 2025.
Details of the Abuse
Troufanov recounted a six-week period during which a guard attempted to coerce him into performing a sexual act. He also discovered a hidden camera during his weekly showers, forcing him to alter his movements to protect his privacy while still maintaining basic hygiene. “I noticed it and I took the shower trying to avoid my private parts toward this angle, but I had to do it because I needed to shower,” he said.
Following his time above ground, Troufanov was moved into the extensive tunnel network beneath Gaza, where he endured months of isolation in dark and damp conditions. He described feeling “buried underneath the ground while still alive,” and at times losing all hope of rescue.
A Pattern of Abuse
Troufanov’s testimony joins that of other recently released male hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Rom Braslavski, who have also disclosed experiencing sexual abuse during their captivity. Additionally, several released female hostages have reported sexual violence and threats while held by Hamas in Gaza.
Brutal Capture and Conditions
Troufanov detailed the circumstances of his abduction, recalling being attacked by terrorists who punched and stabbed him at his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. His fiancée, Sapir Cohen, was also taken captive, though she was released after 50 days. His father, Vitaly Troufanov, was murdered during the October 7th attacks. Troufanov sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during a brief escape attempt and received minimal medical care, with one leg being crudely stabilized with a wooden broom and metal grill.
Looking Ahead
With the recovery of the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, this week, Troufanov expressed a sense of relief. However, he cautioned against premature optimism regarding the future of Gaza, stating, “Rebuilding Gaza and opening the Rafah crossing is in vain as it will never solve the real problem.” He believes a fundamental shift is needed to address the underlying hatred and support for terrorism. Troufanov, currently recovering from leg surgery, is hopeful to walk at his upcoming wedding to Cohen, viewing it as a “victory: overcoming hate and fear.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sasha Troufanov’s family?
Sasha Troufanov’s father, Vitaly, was murdered during the October 7th attacks. His mother, Yelena, and grandmother, Irena Tati, were also kidnapped. His fiancée, Sapir Cohen, was also taken captive but released after 50 days.
How long was Sasha Troufanov held captive?
Sasha Troufanov was held captive for almost 500 days, being released in February 2025.
What other accounts of abuse have emerged from released hostages?
Fellow male hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Rom Braslavski have also disclosed experiencing sexual abuse during their captivity. Several released female hostages have also recounted sexual violence and threats.
What steps are needed to ensure lasting peace and security in the region?
