Davis, California CEASEFIRE resolution passed on December 12, 2023
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA
WHEREAS, the Davis City Council hears and feels deeply the pain of its community caused by the violence in Israel and Gaza; and
WHEREAS, all human life is precious, and the City of Davis has a long and proud history of standing on the side of peace, and affirming our commitment to speak against injustice; and
WHEREAS, over 1,200 citizens in Israel and over 18,000 in Palestine killed, with over 7,000 of those being children, violence has already claimed the lives of too many Israelis and Palestinians, and wounded too many more; and
WHEREAS, millions of lives are at risk if violence continues, peace is not achieved and basic human needs are not made available; and
WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development and many others have made a call to end the violence and prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and
WHEREAS, in response to the conflict, the City of Davis condemns the rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, Anti-Arab and other racist and xenophobic attacks in our community, our region and throughout our world; and
WHEREAS, rising tides of hatred have caused community members to feel silenced, unwelcome and unsafe in the spaces they live and work; and
WHEREAS, the government of the United States holds immense power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Davis does hereby support:
(1) An immediate ceasefire by all parties, an end to all hostilities, and to begin through diplomacy a reinvigorated effort that seeks a permanent, just solution to the conflict and lasting peace in the region.
(2) an immediate end to all acts of terrorism and violence against civilians,
(3) unconditional release of all hostages,
(4) unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance, and restoration of food, water, electricity and medical supplies,
(5) mutual respect for and adherence to international law and respect for all members of our community
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution is sent to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, the offices of Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, State Senator Bill Dodd, Governor Gavin Newsom, Representative Mike Thompson, Senator Laphonza Butler, Senator Alex Padilla, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end the violence.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Davis on this 12th day of December, 2023.