Cotati, California CEASEFIRE resolution passed on January 9, 2024

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-1

PROCLAMATION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF COTATI'S SUPPORT FOR AN ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CEASEFIRE AND PERMANENT RESOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT

WHEREAS, all life is precious, and all suffering and loss of life through armed conflict is tragic; and

WHEREAS, the City of Cotati opposes all forms of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, bigotry, and genocide, and advocates for the dignity and safety of residents in every community; and

WHEREAS, between the Hamas attack of October 7 and January 2, 2024, violence in and near Gaza has claimed the lives of approximately 22,000 Palestinians [1] and over 1,200 Israelis [2], and wounded thousands more; and according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, an estimated 1,900,000 Palestinians (85% of Gaza) has been internally displaced since October 7; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk of death, famine and life-threatening diseases in Gaza without a sustained ceasefire and unimpeded large scale humanitarian relief; and

WHEREAS, on December 12, 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in an emergency session demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire", the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as "ensuring humanitarian access."

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cotati joins the United Nations, world leaders, religious leaders, and citizens of the world everywhere in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all armed hostilities by all sides; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Cotati supports U.S. Congress Resolution HR 786 and joins other cities ni calling on our Congressional Members to demand: an immediate and permanent ceasefire; release of all hostages; the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and respect for international law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a permanent solution to this crisis must be one of the top foreign policy priorities of the United States to reduce human suffering and promote peace in the region; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Sonoma County's Supervisors, the Mayors and Council members of each of its incorporated cities, California State Assembly members, Senators, and Governor, and United States' Representatives, Senators, Vice President, and President urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end this conflict and work towards a permanent peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cotati held on January 9, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:

ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS|

Susan Harvey, Councilmember

Ben Ford, Vice Mayor

Sparks, Ford, Harvey, Lemus Rivers

1 Ministry ofHealth, Gaza, includes combatants and non-combatants.

2 Israeli Media Sources, citing official sources, includes combatants, non-combatants and foreign nationals in Israel.