Alhambra, California passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 25, 2024

RESOLUTION NO. R2M24-9

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA SUPPORTING A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND ISRAEL.

WHEREAS, the City of Alhambra is made up of diverse individuals whose collective cultures, religions, backgrounds, orientations, abilities and viewpoints join to form a highly pluralistic community which prides itself on being a place which welcomes persons and families of all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alhambra has a long-standing commitment to advocating for peace, social justice, equity, safety, and fostering a mutual respect and understanding for all people, regardless of religion, race or nationality; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alhambra condemns all forms of violence, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, including the recent rise of Anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Jewish, and Anti-Arab sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks as stated in Resolution R2M23-20; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alhambra stands firmly on the foundations of peace, unity, respect, understanding, and the universal value and preciousness of all lives; and

WHEREAS, all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives are at continued risk without an immediate and permanent cease-fire and delivery of humanitarian and medical aid without delay; and

WHEREAS over 200,000 people, mostly children, are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, a category that now includes more than a quarter of the Gazan population. All of Gaza's 2.2 million people are unable to meet their food needs; and

WHEREAS the City of Alhambra condemns the atrocious attack, documented sexual violence and kidnapping committed by Hamas against innocent Israelis, Thais, Nepalis, Filipinos and Cambodians on October 7 that claimed over 1,200 lives and join calls to demand the immediate return of all hostages; and

WHEREAS the City of Alhambra recognizes that we must separate innocent people from the actions of their governments, and speak out against policies that do not

WHEREAS, a growing number of cities throughout California and across the country have approved or are actively considering statements calling for peace, a lasting ceasefire and safe return of all hostages; and

WHEREAS, international organizations including the United Nations General Assembly, the World health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the International Rescue Committee have made calls for ceasefire and the return of all hostages to prevent further loss of civilian lives, and to be in accordance with humanitarian law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ALHAMBRA CITY COUNCIL THAT:

Section One: The City of Alhambra stands firmly on the foundation of peace, unity, respect, and understanding. The City Council recognizes that all lives have the same value, and that human life is precious. The City Council acknowledges the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemns attacks in the Middle East.

Section Two: The City of Alhambra supports the United States Government's ongoing efforts to bring a bilateral de-escalation of hostilities and calls on our federal leaders to support negotiations that lead to a lasting ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, the safe passage of food, water, medical supplies, and other life-saving humanitarian aid, and a peaceful resolution.