Tel Aviv, Israel – An Israeli lawyer who was held captive by Hamas for 55 days has come forward with harrowing details of the abuse she endured at the hands of her captors. Amit Soussana, 40, revealed that she was routinely beaten and sexually assaulted during her captivity, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7.
Soussana recalled the moment when her captor, identified only as “Muhammad,” turned violent towards her while she thought she was being allowed to take a bath. The abuse escalated quickly, with Muhammad forcing her to shower before sexually assaulting her in a children’s bedroom adorned with Spongebob Squarepants decorations.
The lawyer, who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Azza near the Gaza border, described a series of horrifying incidents where Muhammad harassed and assaulted her. Despite her attempts to resist, Soussana endured severe physical injuries, including fractures in her eye socket, cheek, knee, and nose, along with extensive bruising.
After enduring relentless beatings and abuse from multiple guards over the course of her captivity in various locations, Soussana was finally released on November 30 during a cease-fire. Despite her release, she continues to suffer from the trauma of her experience and has reported the sexual assaults she endured shortly after returning.
Hamas has attempted to cast doubt on Soussana’s account, with a spokesman stating that the level of detail in her story raises suspicions. However, Soussana remains steadfast in recounting the horrors she faced during her captivity, shedding light on the physical and psychological toll of her ordeal.
The United Nations has also reported instances of sexual violence against hostages held by Hamas, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those affected. As negotiations continue and tensions remain high between Israel and Hamas, the spotlight remains on the plight of hostages and the lasting impact of such traumatic experiences.