One House lawmaker, a Democrat, voted “present” on Wednesday for a resolution condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel following the group’s terrorist attacks in October.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) stood out as the only member to cast a vote neither in support nor against the measure that otherwise received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans.
In House floor remarks, Tlaib said the resolution “rightfully denounces any sexual violence by Hamas,” but she claimed to be “disturbed” by how it lacks similar language for how Israeli forces allegedly treat Palestinians.
We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. This resolution falls well short of also acknowledging the sexual abuse of Palestinians.
