Atlanta, Georgia CEASEFIRE resolution passed on November 20, 2023

A resolution to express Atlanta City Council support for The Carter Center’s call for cease-fire in Israel and Gaza, to support the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and the reinstatement of essential services; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Carter Center, a world-renowned non-profit organization founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, works to improve the lives of people around the world through peacebuilding, democracy promotion, human rights protection, disease prevention, and mental health care; and

WHEREAS, the Carter Center has urgently called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and reinstatement of essential services; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also recognizes the urgency of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the need for immediate action; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also acknowledges the principles of proportionality and international law in self-defense; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also expresses concern over the ongoing violence and its potential for further escalation; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also emphasizes the importance of a cease-fire, humanitarian corridors, and essential services for Gaza; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also highlights the tragic loss of innocent lives and the acute humanitarian crisis unfolding; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian sentiments; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also stresses that collective punishment and violence against civilians are contrary to international law; and

WHEREAS, the Atlanta City Council also affirms that there is no military solution, and only a political one can lead to peace based on common humanity and human rights.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, that the Atlanta City Council stands in solidarity with the Carter Center’s earnest plea for an immediate cease-fire, encompassing all parties involved in the ongoing and escalating Israel-Hamas conflict within Gaza.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Atlanta City Council supports the urgent appeal for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure the unimpeded delivery of much-needed aid and the reinstatement of essential services to the beleaguered region.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Atlanta City Council passionately urges the swift and secure return of all hostages, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding their well-being.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that in unflinching alignment with our commitment to the principles of international law, the Atlanta City Council earnestly calls on both sides to conscientiously abide by these norms, in order to promote a just and lawful resolution to the conflict.