U.S. Congresswoman: Sexual Violence, Rape, and Brutality are Hamas's Strategy Against Civilians

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democratic Congresswoman from the U.S., stated on Wednesday after attending an "Awareness-Raising Event on Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas": "Sexual violence, rape, and brutality are Hamas's strategy against civilians." The "Awareness-Raising Event on Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas" was initiated by the Israeli Embassy in Washington and attended by several American lawmakers and senior Biden administration officials, aimed at increasing awareness about the systematic sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas during the terrorist attack on October 7. After the session held in the U.S. Capitol, Wasserman Schultz told reporters: "I cannot go into the details of the investigations and information shared with us, but I have never seen a more brutal evil than what Hamas did on October 7 against humanity." She added: "The existing evidence is abundant and undeniable. We now know that Hamas's use of sexual violence, rape, mutilation, and brutality was not an exception but a premeditated part of their strategy to deliberately use sexual violence as a weapon against innocent civilians." Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, also commented after attending the "Awareness-Raising Event on Systematic Sexual Violence by Hamas": "There is evidence of this crime that cannot be denied. We must be able to clearly and transparently condemn this violence against women, regardless of our thoughts or feelings about the events in Gaza." Palestinian militants of Hamas, supported by the Iranian government, killed 1,200 people and took over 240 others hostage during the October 7 attack on Israel. About 100 of these hostages were exchanged during a two-week ceasefire in December with Palestinian prisoners in Israel, but more than 130 others remain in Hamas captivity. Two UN special rapporteurs called on January 8 for accountability from Hamas for committing several crimes attributed to this militant group, including torture and sexual assault, during the October 15 attack on Israel. They stated that there is substantial evidence of sexual torture, gang rapes, mutilation, and shooting in the genital area by Hamas forces during the October 15 attack on Israel, which constitutes a "gross violation of international law" and could be classified as "war crimes." The U.S. Secretary of State condemned the "sexual violence" committed by Hamas members during the October 15 attack on Israel. Antony Blinken also severely criticized those who have not condemned these actions strongly or have been slow in their condemnation. He told CNN: "I do not understand why countries, leaders, and international organizations have been so slow to focus on this issue and draw public attention to it." Joe Biden: Everyone must strongly condemn the sexual violence of Hamas terrorists without any ifs or buts. UN reporters: Hamas must be held accountable for the violence and sexual assault in the attack on Israel. Blinken: The sexual violence of Hamas members in the attack on Israel is "indescribable." Biden: Hamas's refusal to release young women led to the failure of continued temporary ceasefire negotiations. Israel is investigating the possibility of "sexual crimes" committed by Hamas members.