Few crimes warrant revulsion as rape and sexual assault, and it was one of many atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th. Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Hamas' horrific use of these crimes as weapons of war.
"Hamas’ crimes are unfathomable in their depravity and inhumanity. We must roundly condemn this evil, hold the perpetrators accountable, and work to ensure it never happens again," Rep. Diaz-Balart said in his press release.
Similarly, Rep. Frankel added, "Our bipartisan resolution says it loud and clear: rape and sexual violence are crimes against humanity and should never be used or accepted as weapons of war."
At the end of December, the New York Times reported on incidents of rape and sexual assault they uncovered from the October 7th massacre, including instances where one woman's body had "dozens of nails driven into her thighs and groin," and two female Israeli Defense Force soldiers were shot in their genitals. More stories can be found in the link, but readers be warned: They are extremely disturbing.
As a result of the sheer level of depravity exhibited by Hamas that day, 149 cosponsors across both parties have cosponsored the resolution, which has received additional praise from former Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) and the Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.
Moreover, the high volume of support from both Republicans and Democrats for the resolution further indicates that support for Israel is bipartisan, despite the perception that Democrats are against Israel due to the amplification of voices such as Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
As Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) said in December, "There are a dozen or so, and some join them from time to time, but the overwhelming majority of Democrats, along with my colleagues across the aisle, support Israel. If you look at the bill [on] Israel's right to exist, there was only one 'no' vote on that in Congress," referencing a previous resolution passed in the House at the end of November.
