Detroit, Michigan CEASEFIRE resolution passed on November 21, 2023

BY COUNCIL MEMBER GABRIELA SANTIAGO-ROMERO RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES

WHEREAS, On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel, taking over 200 hostages and resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis; and

WHEREAS, The Cabinet of Israel subsequently formally declared war against Hamas and the Israeli Defense minister ordered a "complete siege" on Gaza [1]; and

WHEREAS, Since the war began, Gaza has endured "collective punishment" [2] and been largely cut off from humanitarian aid. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, 1.5 million Palestinians have been internally displaced [3], and the lack of safe drinking water, food, fuel. electricity, and medical care has created a humanitarian disaster; and

WHEREAS, As of November 12, the war against Hamas has destroyed much of the civilian infrastructure within Gaza, including hospitals, and resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 Palestinians, with roughly 68% of the casualties being women and children, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [4]; and

WHEREAS, The current war between Israel and Hamas marks the most significant escalation in decades, and continued escalation could result in a larger regional conflict with devastating consequences; and

WHEREAS, The Detroit City Council believes all sovereign nations in pursuit of self-defense must comply with international humanitarian law regardless of geographic context; and

WHEREAS, The Detroit City Council agrees that no human should be deprived of water, food, healthcare and medical supplies, energy (e.g. fuel, electricity), and other basic needs, and decries the deprivation thereof; and

WHEREAS, The Detroit City Council condemns all acts of violence aimed at Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and mourns the loss of all civilian lives and hostages; and

WHEREAS, The Detroit City Council is gravely concerned and recognizes that a lasting resolution can only be achieved by peaceful means and diplomacy; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, The Detroit City Council calls for an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire to protect and save human lives, which allows for humanitarian aid and the unhindered provision of goods to civilians throughout Gaza which are indispensable to their survival as required by international humanitarian law; NOW, BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, As part of the ceasefire, the Detroit City Council also calls for the unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held hostage, demanding their safety, well-being, and humane treatment in compliance with international law; NOW, BE IT FINALLY

RESOLVED That the Detroit City Clerk's Office provide a copy of this resolution the Mayor, the Detroit delegations in the Michigan legislature, and the United States Congressional delegations from Michigan.