Controversy Erupts Over Progressive Lawmaker's Remarks on Hamas' Sexual Atrocities
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to comment on Rep. Pramila Jayapal's remarks about Hamas' use of rape as a weapon of war, stating that she can't speak for Jayapal and only speaks for President Biden. Jayapal had called for being "balanced" in acknowledging "outrages against Palestinians." Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration's condemnation of Hamas' actions and emphasized that rape as a weapon of war is reprehensible. Several House Democrats criticized Jayapal's comments, with some calling for a clear condemnation of sexual violence without exceptions.