The County Board of Dane County, Wisconsin passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 15, 2024
2023 RES-333
CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
The Dane County Board acknowledges that all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their religion or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 15, 2024, more than 24,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, and over 60,834 men, women, and children have been wounded, and thousands more have been taken as hostages or are missing and presumed dead.
This conflict is perpetuating a dangerous and costly lack of access to basic human needs in Gaza, such as food, water, medical supplies, and more, which are indispensable for the survival of the civilian population. Around 85 percent of the population (1.9 million people) is displaced and currently concentrated into an increasingly smaller geographic area. Between December 8, 2023 and February 7, 2024, the entire population in the Gaza Strip (about 2.2 million people) has been classified as IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) Phase 3 or above (crisis or worse).
Until a ceasefire is achieved, humanitarian aid cannot reach all people in need. In order to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, both sides must agree to any ceasefire and the ceasefire must be guaranteed by the physical presence of international partners who have a vested interest in seeing peace and stability in the region.
The United States federal government holds immense diplomatic power and a ceasefire should be the highest priority in order to prevent the loss of any more innocent civilian lives. At least 64 members of Congress have publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Municipalities across the nation, including Cudahy, San Francisco, Oakland and Richmond, California; Wilmington, Delaware; Carrboro, North Carolina; Providence, Rhode Island; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; and our very own Madison, Wisconsin have passed resolutions calling for a ceasefire.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urgent political action both to de-escalate the crisis and to prioritize truth, reconciliation, restitution, and the building of a future for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors urges support for an immediate release of all hostages and cessation of hostilities toward civilians by all parties in this war.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors urges the Biden Administration and elected Senate and Congress members to oppose additional funding for military action against Israelis and Palestinians in this war.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors urges the U.S government to facilitate immediately the sending of humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies, into Gaza.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to President Biden, Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, and Congressional Representative Mark Pocan.