Akron, Ohio CEASEFIRE resolution passed on November 20, 2023

RESOLUTION expressing sympathy for the innocent civilians victimized by the war in Israel and Palestine; condemning violence of any kind; affirming Akron's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic religions and any other religion; encouraging residents to offer support and sincere condolences to members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities of Akron and all over the world; and declaring an emergency.

WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023, Akron City Council passed a resolution condemning the October 7th attack on Southern Israel, which killed roughly 1,200 individuals and resulted in the seize of roughly 200 hostages; and

WHEREAS, the 10/16/23 City Council resolution affirmed Akron's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish faith and any other faith and encouraging Akron residents to offer support and condolences to the Jewish community; and

WHEREAS, on October 27; 2023; the United Nations General Assembly adopted a major resolution on the Gaza crisis on October 27, 2023. The resolution called for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities" and demanded that all parties "immediately and fully comply" with obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, "particularly in regard to the protection of civilians and civilian objects." The resolution also urged the protection of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat, and humanitarian facilities and assets, and to enable and facilitate humanitarian access for essential supplies and services to reach all civilians in need in the Gaza Strip. The General Assembly also called for the "immediate and unconditional release; of all civilians being illegally held/detained or imprisoned, demanding the safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law. The resolution was passed with 120 members in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions; and

WHEREAS, since October 7, more than 12,500 Palestinians, more than 4,000 of whom are children, have been killed because of this violence, and more than 1,000,000 Palestinians have been displaced; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Akron wish to decry any and all acts of violence and express their deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, the City of Akron is committed to encouraging and uplifting both the Akron Palestinian & Jewish communities and their communities at large and

WHEREAS, there have been many dehumanizing incidents of anti-Palestinian, anti-Muslim, and antisemitic violence and rhetoric within the United States; and

WHEREAS, many members of our Akron area community are impacted by the ongoing conflict, including members of our Palestinian community, our Muslim community, our Jewish community, and many others.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Akron:

Section 1. That the City of Akron Council hereby expresses sympathy for the civilian victims and all those affected by the horrific violence and war.

Section 2. That the City of Akron hereby decries all horrific acts of violence committed against civilians of any kind.

Section 3. That the City of Akron hereby affirms Akron's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic faith and any other religion and encourages Akron residents to offer support and condolences to members of the Palestinian and Jewish communities.

Section 4. The City of Akron urgently calls for a ceasefire with the release of all civilians being illegally held or imprisoned on both sides of the conflict, along with the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors in order to preserve human life.

Sectio11 5. That the City ofAkron calls for all Palestinians and Israelis to abide by international law. The Council of the City of Akron envisions a two-state solution, bringing an end to the occupation and illegal settlement activity by Israel and clear recognition of Israel's right to exist by all governing Palestinian parties, recognizing the legitimate desire and need for Palestinian self-determination, as well as the legitimate desire and need for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and security.

Section 6. That this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety and welfare for the reason that it is immediately necessary for this Council to express its support for victims of the war in Israel and Palestine, and provided this resolution receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected or appointed to Council, it shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force at the earliest time allowed by law.