Concern Grows Over White House’s Omission of October 7th Victims in Sexual Violence Factsheet

The White House recently published a fact sheet outlining President Joe Biden’s actions to address sexual violence in war.

However, some conservatives have criticized the fact sheet for failing to mention any actions taken in light of Hamas’ October 7th attacks, which included widely-documented sexual violence.

Late last week, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted an event to mark to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

During the event, Vice President Harris reportedly stated the US “cannot look away” from the sexual abuse endured by Israeli civilians at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

However, the aforementioned factsheet, published hours before Harris’ statements, did not include any statements on Hamas’ use of sexual violence against Israel.

The fact sheet lists Biden administration actions to combat sexual violence in Ukraine, Africa, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Syria, but does not include Israel.

US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) criticized the White House’s inconsistency, claiming their support for Israel is mere cheek-and-tongue. 

“This “Fact Sheet” fails to mention the horrific sexual abuse committed by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 and the continued assaults on hostages held for 256 days since then,” said Senator Scott. “This Administration continues to say they support Jewish and Israeli women, but they definitely don't show it.”

Scott has been one of the most vocal supporters of Israel on Capitol Hill, and has been involved with Israel’s war against Hamas daily.

Most recently, Scott pushed for the investigation of a US newspaper’s alleged links to Hamas.

The push arose after the Israeli Defence Forces claimed a writer from Washington state-based newspaper The Palestine Chronicle cooperated with Hamas’ abduction of three Israeli civilians.

Upon learning of the IDF’s reports, Scott and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) authored a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Danny Werfel demanding an investigation.

The Chronicle has denied wrongdoing, claiming “Aljamal is not one of its staff.”

However, on a post published the day prior, The Chronicle mourned his death.

“The Palestine Chronicle is saddened to learn that Abdallah Aljamal, one of its contributors in the Gaza Strip, has been killed in the latest Israeli massacre in the Nuseirat refugee camp,” said The Chronicle.