Charlemont, Massachusetts passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on May 28, 2024

RESOLUTION Supporting a permanent ceasefire and preventing further loss of human life in Gaza. May 2024

WHEREAS, between October 7, 2023 and March 20, 2024, more than 31 ,000 Palestinians (nearly half of them children) and more than 1,200 Israelis have been killed, and tens of thousands more Palestinians wounded, over 90% of the population of Gaza has been displaced, and approximately 130 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are at imminent risk of death by starvation and disease, and there is an increasing risk of wider regional and global war resulting from the current crisis that would threaten millions of lives, including Americans;

WHEREAS, the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith, nationality, or ethnicity, is a violation of international law; and

WHEREAS, the Massachusetts portion of the $3.8 billion dollars of aid sent from the US to Israel annually is estimated to be approximately $130 million;

WHEREAS, the United States Federal government holds immense diplomatic and appropriations power to save Palestinian and Israeli lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town of Charlemont calls on all members of our Congressional delegation to join us •in urging the Biden administration to call for and facilitate an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the provision of lifesaving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and political prisoners on all sides;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the town of Charlemont condemns antisemitic, anti- Palestinian, anti-Arab, Islamophobic, and all xenophobic rhetoric and attacks, locally, nationally, and internationally;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the town of Charlemont urges cessation of U.S. military funding to Israel paid by U.S. tax dollars until such time as there is a permanent and sustained ceasefire in place in Gaza and all hostages have been released, and further urges the redirection of military spending toward goals that support the lives and livelihoods of the American public.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Charlemont town meeting directs the town Clerk to forward copies of this resolution to the offices of President Biden, U.S. Senators Markey and Warren, and Congressman Neal.