"White House's Silence on Jayapal's Call for 'Balance' in Criticism of Hamas' Rapes Sparks Controversy"

The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, refused to condemn Rep. Pramila Jayapal's comments calling for "balance" in criticizing Hamas' use of sexual violence against Israeli women. While Jean-Pierre reiterated that rape as a weapon of war is "reprehensible," she stopped short of condemning Jayapal directly. Several Democrats criticized Jayapal's remarks, with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz calling it "outrageous" to "both sides" sexual violence and Rep. Ritchie Torres stating it was "indecent" to downplay rape against Israeli women.