In a heated exchange on CNN, host Dana Bash confronted Representative Pramila Jayapal over the lack of widespread condemnation of Hamas' use of sexual violence against Israeli women during their October 7 attacks. The discussion highlighted a disturbing silence from progressive women's rights advocates and international organizations.

Bash pointed out that while progressive women often defend women's rights and speak out against the use of rape as a weapon of war, they have remained silent on the brutal sexual violence inflicted by Hamas on Israeli women. The lack of attention to this issue on a global scale raised concerns about the selective nature of activism.

Jayapal, a member of the progressive "Squad," countered that she had already condemned Hamas' treatment of women. However, she swiftly redirected the conversation back to Israel, emphasizing the need for both sides to comply with international humanitarian law. The Congresswoman argued that Israel's adherence to these standards was crucial for maintaining alliances and public opinion.

Bash persisted in seeking a direct response about Hamas, expressing frustration that Jayapal was avoiding the issue at hand. The host emphasized the significance of discussing the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women specifically.

Jayapal defended her position, claiming that the conversation should not prioritize one group's suffering over another's. She stressed the importance of balance and highlighting the atrocities experienced by Palestinians as well.

This clash on CNN followed criticism directed at the official UN Women X account for its delayed condemnation of the Hamas massacre in Israel and the group's treatment of women. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced an investigation into the Hamas attacks, including the use of sexual violence against Israeli women. Guterres strongly denounced gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for vigorous investigation and prosecution.

"The View" co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin also criticized international women's organizations for their silence on the sexual violence used against Israeli women. Griffin highlighted the absence of statements from prominent women's groups, such as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment and the U.N. Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. The silence of the international MeToo movement was also noted by Griffin.

The lack of condemnation and attention from progressive women's rights advocates and international organizations raises concerns about the selectivity of activism when it comes to addressing sexual violence in conflicts. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war goes against international humanitarian law and must be condemned universally.

As Secretary-General Guterres rightly pointed out, gender-based violence must be condemned anytime and anywhere. The investigation into Hamas' attacks and its use of sexual violence serves as a critical step toward accountability and justice.