Albany, New York CEASEFIRE resolution passed on January 4, 2024

Council Members Adams and Romero introduced the following: RESOLUTION NUMBER 3.11.24R (MC)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ALBANY’S COMMON COUNCIL CALLING FOR A PERMANENT END TO VIOLENCE IN GAZA, IMMEDIATE PROVISION OF SUFFICIENT HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA, AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND UNITY

WHEREAS, the ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in immense human suffering and loss of life; and

WHEREAS, the City of Albany is committed to promoting peace, unity, and respect for all its residents; and

WHEREAS, we recognize and stand in solidarity with our Muslim and Jewish communities, reaffirming our commitment to their safety, security, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, we share dire concerns with the war in Gaza in which over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed as of December 22, 2023, with the exact amount unknown due to the inability to count the dead as the health system collapses, another 50,000 injured and several thousands more reported missing and presumed to be dead under the rubble; and

WHEREAS, we are deeply sympathetic to the 2 million Palestinian civilians who have now been displaced and for the scores of Israeli lives that have been impacted; and

WHEREAS, the people of Gaza face further devastation from the lack of food, water, sanitation and other basic necessities, with over half a million Gazans reported starving by the United Nations; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge Resolution 106.102.23R from October 16th which condemns the attacks on Israel that took place on October 7th; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge the urgency of the situation and the imperative need for immediate action;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Common Council of Albany, New York calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to the hostilities in the region which are causing a horrific loss of Palestinian and Israeli life; and

2. We urge for the immediate provisioning of humanitarian aid commensurate with the multiple levels of socioeconomic collapse in Gaza; and

3. We urge leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of all hostages and detainees, recognizing their right to freedom and immediate and unconditional release; and

4. We extend our support to diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at facilitating a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of all parties abiding by established international humanitarian law; and

5. We express our unwavering commitment to fostering peace and unity within the City of Albany, and representing the voices and concerns of all its citizens; and

6. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim and Jewish communities, affirming our commitment to their safety, security, and inclusion within the fabric of our city; and

7. We express our sincere hope that the current conflict will be resolved swiftly and peacefully, leading to a just and lasting peace.

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Shaniqua Jackson, Acting City Clerk Jake Eisland, Esq., Research Counsel

Request for Common Council Legislation Supporting Memorandum

December 29, 2023
Council Members Adams and Romero

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ALBANY’S COMMON COUNCIL CALLING FOR A PERMANENT END TO VIOLENCE IN GAZA, IMMEDIATE PROVISION OF SUFFICIENT HUMANITARIAN AID FOR GAZA, AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND UNITY

GENERAL PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION

The civilians of Gaza are currently facing desperate conditions, needing immediate humanitarian assistance to save lives. This resolution would call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire so that humanitarian assistance can be brought to the residents of Gaza.

FISCAL IMPACT(S)

N/A