The White House all but confirmed Wednesday reports that Hamas terrorists sexually abused hostages taken in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks.
The White House has been pressed on recent reports of hostages detailing sexual violence at the hands of their Hamas captors but has not specifically addressed individual cases.
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the violence during Monday's press briefing.
And National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was again asked if the U.S. or Israel had any evidence to suggest the women still held by Hamas are themselves "the victims of sexual violence."
"I can't speak to specific cases but — and I know Karine talked about this this week. It is a sick truth of this particular group that they use sexual violence as a weapon and a tool," Kirby responded. "That's a matter of record, particularly since on the seventh of October and since listening to some of the hostages that have been released."
#WATCH: White House's John Kirby believes Hamas is using sexual violence against Israeli hostages pic.twitter.com/taJMJ3g1I6
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 6, 2023
"So sadly, I think it's safe to assume that they're still using sexual violence as a weapon, but I can't speak to specific cases," he continued.
Hamas still holds female hostages despite brokering a temporary ceasefire agreement with Israeli officials. Israel is currently preparing to mount a new offensive in southern Gaza in hopes of freeing the remaining hostages.
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You can watch Wednesday's briefing in full below.