Amit Soussana, the first Israeli woman to speak publicly about the sexual violence she endured during her captivity in Gaza after being abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, gave a harrowing account of her experiences at the United Nations. She described her peaceful life before the attack, working as an attorney and living a quiet life in a kibbutz. Soussana emphasized the importance of her privacy and how this was violated during her captivity. She vividly recounted the day of her abduction, the sound of gunfire, and being dragged from her home in a state of terror and vulnerability.
During her 55 days in captivity, Soussana was subjected to horrifying experiences, including sexual assault by a Hamas terrorist who had guarded her. She detailed the assault, describing the fear and helplessness she felt during the traumatic ordeal. Despite resisting and suffering significant injuries, she was also tortured, beaten, and humiliated during her captivity. Soussana expressed her gratitude for finally being freed but shared how the trauma of her experience still haunts her and how she lives with the memory of what was done to her.
Soussana’s plea to the U.N. highlighted the urgent need to secure the release of the remaining hostages and to take immediate action to combat terrorism and protect human rights. She called upon the U.N. to not turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed against innocent civilians and stressed the collective duty to fight terrorism and ensure that no one else suffers the same fate. Soussana’s emotional speech underscored the ongoing suffering faced by those still held captive and the importance of securing their freedom.
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, vowed to continue efforts to secure the release of all 101 hostages held by Hamas. He commended Soussana for her bravery in sharing her story and exposing the true face of Hamas. The U.N. report published in March acknowledged the horrific acts of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, committed during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The report stated that the evidence was clear and convincing that hostages were raped while being held in Gaza, with ongoing abuse facing those still in captivity.
The hostages still held in Gaza, including women and children, continue to endure unimaginable suffering. Soussana’s powerful testimony served as a reminder of the ongoing plight of those held captive and the urgent need for action to secure their release and bring the perpetrators to justice. The U.N. was urged to fulfill its duty to protect human rights, combat terrorism, and ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable. Soussana’s call to action emphasized the importance of acting swiftly to prevent more innocent civilians from enduring the same horrors that she and others faced.
