OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Condemning Rape and Sexual Violence Committed By Hamas in its War Against Israel

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 14, 2024
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, all acts of sexual violence are horrific. We should all be fighting to end it here at home and all around the world.

So, while the resolution on the floor today rightfully denounces any sexual violence by Hamas, I am disturbed that it completely ignores and erases any sexual violence and abuse committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians, especially children.

War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. We must stand up for everyone's safety and human rights, no matter their faith, no matter their ethnicity.

There are numerous, well-documented reports of sexual violence, including rape, committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians in their custody; children detained and stripped to their underwear in public for the world to see.

Mr. Speaker, I call your attention to a Haaretz article titled: ``Cigarette Burns, Beatings, Attempted Sexual Assault: Settlers and Soldiers Abuse Palestinians,'' which can be found at: https:// www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-21/ty-article-magazine/.premium/ beatings-burns-attempted-sexual-assault-settlers-and-soldiers-abused- palestinians/0000018b-530f-d1d7-ab8b-7f5fca1d0000.

The U.N. and human rights groups have raised alarms for years, but Congress did nothing. They never cared.

We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. This resolution falls well short of that responsibility, Mr. Speaker.

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