Following her abduction during the October 7 attack on southern Israel led by Hamas, Amit Soussana, a lawyer, granted The New York Times an exclusive interview, offering a detailed account of the sexual violence and torture she endured in Gaza.
Describing the harrowing ordeal, Soussana recalled how one of her captors approached her, brandishing a gun and forcing her into committing a sexual act at gunpoint.
During extensive interviews with The New York Times in mid-March, Soussana provided a comprehensive narrative of her experiences since the October 7 attack. The report included insights from doctors who treated former hostages upon their return from Gaza, as well as supporting evidence such as medical records, videos, text messages, and photographs.
Soussana, aged 40, was forcibly taken from her home by a group of at least 10 men who subjected her to physical assault before dragging her into Gaza. During her captivity, she endured further abuse, including being chained by her left ankle and subjected to intrusive questioning about her personal life.
After several days, one of her captors, identified as Muhammad, temporarily released her from her chains and took her to the bathroom, where he subjected her to further violence and harassment.
The New York Times reported that Soussana provided extensive details of the sexual violence and other abuses during the interview, which corroborated her accounts to medical professionals and social workers shortly after her release on November 30.
While specific details were documented, The New York Times agreed not to disclose them publicly. Soussana recounted an incident of torture where she was suspended between two couches and beaten by her captors.
The United Nations conducted its own investigation into the claims, producing a 24-page report that found ‘reasonable grounds to believe’ that Hamas terrorists had committed sexual violence at multiple locations during the assault, including instances of genital mutilation and sexualized torture.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed solidarity with Soussana and all victims of Hamas’ atrocities, condemning their actions and calling for the immediate release of all hostages.”
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