Unmasking the Devastating Consequences of Rape and Destruction in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
In-depth analysis of the Israel-Hamas war, shedding light on the devastating impact of rape and destruction Examining how Israel's defenders justify civilian casualties A comprehensive exploration of a difficult and sensitive issue
Categorically condemning the use of rape as a weapon of war against Israeli women and girls by Hamas terrorists should not be difficult. Additionally, the notion that a ratio of two civilians killed for every Hamas fighter in Gaza would be seen as a "tremendously positive" outcome by Israel is callous.
The intense debates on these topics highlight the highly politicized nature of the conflict and, more significantly, risk minimizing the cruelty of a war that is inflicting a devastating toll on innocent civilians. In a recent incident, Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal was compelled to retract her remarks to CNN's Dana Bash, stating that "horrific" rapes should be "weighed" against civilian deaths in Gaza.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman Jonathan Conricus made comments on CNN regarding Palestinian civilian deaths, which he later had to clarify. This controversy surrounding Jayapal's remarks has arisen during a time when some on the left have been criticized for failing to condemn crimes against Jews with the same vigor as they do for other ethnic groups. This includes progressives who support Palestinians but have been less vocal about eradicating antisemitism.
US President Joe Biden delivered a speech at CS Wind in Pueblo, Colorado, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. Despite the landmark climate law promising billions of dollars for America's transition to clean energy, some of the nation's most ambitious renewable power projects have been put on hold, electric car sales are falling short of targets, and investors are exiting the sector in large numbers. Photographer: Daniel Brenner/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Daniel Brenner/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Biden decries Hamas sexual assaults and says they must be forcefully condemned
The days of footage showing the violent Hamas rampage through kibbutz communities and grieving Palestinians pulling dead children from the rubble of their homes is extremely difficult to watch. If the world tunes out, the reality of the carnage may be overshadowed by arguments about the relative suffering of each side and typical political point-scoring of Middle East conflicts.
Strongly condemning the evil that occurred on October 7 should be an obvious decision, even for those who criticize Israel's long-term policies towards the Palestinians. It doesn't have to be seen as an endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline policies. Similarly, efforts to lessen the civilian bloodbath in Gaza should not be seen as accepting the theocratic Hamas fascism. The lack of certainty in these matters highlights the scarcity of political debate about the war, its intractability, and ultimately, the repeating tragedy of this conflict.
Horrendous accounts of rapes
The exploitation of the situation for political gain often originates from individuals who are removed from the direct suffering of those affected. For instance, the struggle of Palestinian civilians is at times manipulated to fit self-serving anti-colonialism narratives that are popular among the American left. The backlash against American Jews due to Israel's actions following the October 7 attack has left many feeling traumatized.
Reaction to excruciating reports of systematic rapes and genital mutilations perpetrated by Hamas fighters underscores how politics shapes responses to war.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal attends a news conference about the American Dream and Promise Act on in Washington, DC, on June 15.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Jayapal unequivocally condemns Hamas' use of rape and sexual violence as a war tactic according to a new statement issued. However, her remarks on CNN were criticized for not strongly condemning these actions, with Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz suggesting that she seemed hesitant to criticize Hamas too harshly.
After facing two days of criticism, Jayapal addressed and elaborated on her previous comments during a time when Israeli anger towards the United Nations and other organizations was escalating due to what they perceived as a delay in condemning the atrocities.
"I want to reiterate that I wholeheartedly condemn Hamas' use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war," Jayapal stated. "This is abhorrent, and it is essential for us to unite globally in solidarity with our sisters, families, and survivors of rape and sexual assault in denouncing this violence and holding those responsible accountable." She also explained, "My mention of balance was not in reference to rape and was not meant to downplay the seriousness of rape and sexual assault in any way. It was intended to acknowledge the immense suffering and trauma experienced by numerous Israelis, Palestinians, and their diaspora communities in this devastating conflict."
The chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Jayapal, made a clear statement indicating that the conflict in Gaza is creating significant political divisions in the United States, particularly within the Democratic Party. These divisions are expected to impact President Joe Biden's chances of reelection in 2024. Despite his administration's efforts to urge Israel to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians, President Biden issued a strong statement condemning the reported instances of heinous violence against women. He decried the acts of rape, mutilation, and murder carried out by Hamas terrorists, emphasizing the gravity and appalling nature of these atrocities.
Netanyahu's frustration with the lack of global attention to sexual violence was evident on Tuesday when he rebuked international institutions in a televised address, exclaiming, "Where the hell are you?"
From UN Web TV
Sheryl Sandberg on Hamas attack: Rape should never be used as an act of war
Disturbing accounts of rapes and assaults were shared at a United Nations event on Monday, hosted by Israel. The event included testimonies from volunteers and soldiers who witnessed the sexual mutilation of some of the deceased. Former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg emphasized the importance of speaking out against such atrocities, stating "Silence is complicity" and stressing that "Rape should never be used as an act of war." Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also urged organizations, governments, and individuals to condemn all violence against women, emphasizing the responsibility to work towards a better future for women and girls.
"It is outrageous that some who claim to stand for justice are closing their eyes and their hearts to the victims of Hamas."
How Israels defenders explain away civilian carnage
The refusal of some to fully acknowledge the tragedy of the rapes of Israeli civilians is reflected in the justification of civilian casualties in Gaza. Israel's strongest supporters in the United States rightly argue that Hamas positions its forces in civilian areas to spark international outrage when innocent people are killed in retaliatory strikes. The Israeli government claims to take careful measures to avoid civilian casualties, but this does not absolve Netanyahu's government of the moral implications of an offensive that has resulted in the deaths of many innocent people. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, nearly 16,000 Palestinians have died since October 7, although these figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. As White House National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby stated, there have been "many, many thousands of innocent people killed" in Gaza.
The Biden administration has been firm in affirming Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas and opposing a permanent ceasefire. It has cautioned Israel not to repeat the devastation in southern Gaza that happened in northern Gaza. The intense fighting and humanitarian destruction have brought into question whether Israel has heeded these warnings.
On the conservative right, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, speaking on CNN Sunday against a ceasefire, dismissed warnings that civilian Palestinian casualties could lead to more terrorism. He seemed to rationalize these casualties by stating that Palestinians "are taught from the time they're born to hate the Jews and to kill them."
Conricus' comment over the alleged ratio of Hamas fighters and civilians killed - originally reported by the AFP news agency on Monday - has caused controversy. While he called it "tremendously positive," many considered it to be insensitive. He later expressed regret, explaining that the IDF aims to minimize civilian casualties, and acknowledged the need to be more careful with his words.
Léo Cans, head of mission for Palestine for Médecins Sans Frontières, described the dire situation in Gaza, highlighting a collapsed health system, shortages of food and water, and Palestinians being targeted in areas deemed safe by Israel. Ironically, his words echoed Netanyahu's call for the world to recognize the atrocities committed by Hamas. "It is really an attack on humanity that is going on right now in Gaza, I am talking about the humanity of all of us," Cans told Isa Soares, speaking from Jerusalem in an interview with CNN International.
The international community is being closely observed as the indiscriminate and disproportionate bombing in Gaza continues. There are concerns about the duration and impact of Israel's ground operation, with officials expecting it to last several weeks before transitioning into a more targeted strategy against Hamas militants and leaders by January. However, there are deep concerns about the toll this offensive will take.
That timeline means that, not for the first time in this horrible war, civilians will bear the brunt.
