CHARLESTON, W.Va. – This week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a bipartisan group of 21 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning Hamas for using sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war against Israel during the October 7th terrorist attack. The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
“There is absolutely no justification to ever weaponize rape and sexual violence as a legitimate form of war and I condemn these despicable acts committed by Hamas in the strongest possible terms. I am disappointed to see some of the inadequate reactions of women’s rights organizations in the wake of these crimes, but I will always speak out against these appalling events and support women around the world,” Senator Capito said. “These terrorist attacks targeting innocent women were unconscionable in every possible way and I support Israel in its mission to dismantle Hamas and to ensure crimes like these never happen again to any woman or girl.”
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Senator Capito has long championed the rights of women and girls to live free of violence. She helped author the Women, Peace and Security Act, which was signed into law in 2017 and ensures women’s leadership roles in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Additionally, Senator Capito is a strong supporter of Israel, swiftly condemning Hamas on October 7 and calling for enduring support for Israel. She also joined letters calling for the release of the American hostages in Gaza.
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