Former hostage Alexander Sasha Troufanov has revealed harrowing details of his captivity in Gaza, describing sexual harassment, physical abuse, and psychological torment during an interview with the BBC. Troufanov recounted being held in a cage for weeks, subjected to sexual harassment by a guard, and filmed during his rare showers. He also described the trauma of learning about his father's murder upon his release and the pain of being separated from his family, who were also kidnapped but freed earlier.

Troufanov was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, along with his fiancée, mother, and grandmother. While the women were released after about 50 days, Troufanov spent almost 500 days in captivity, much of it in isolation underground. He suffered severe injuries during his abduction, including gunshot wounds and beatings, and struggled with despair during his time in tunnels beneath Gaza.

The return of another hostage's remains brought a mix of relief and sorrow, highlighting the lingering impact of the ordeal. Troufanov emphasized the need for lasting peace and an end to violence, expressing hope for recovery and looking forward to his upcoming wedding as a symbol of resilience and hope.