Dover, New Hampshire passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 10, 2024

WHEREAS: On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a barbaric, and deadly, massacre against Israeli civilians, leaving 1200 dead, and taking captive over 253 Israeli and international hostages, of whom over 134 hostages have still not been returned; and

WHEREAS: Israel has responded with a massive and disproportionate military campaign that, to date, has resulted in the deaths of 32,000 Palestinians, of which 13,000 are children; and

WHEREAS: The conflict has created conditions that have brought the people of Gaza to the brink of famine and humanitarian catastrophe; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover recognizes that such an international issue, while outside our scope of municipal governance, has profound social and emotional impacts on the residents of the City of Dover; and

WHEREAS: Ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has caused significant distress among many of our residents, leading to feelings of pain, fear, anger, and concern for their loved ones in the region; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover takes pride in being a diverse and welcoming community that upholds the values of empathy, understanding, and the general well-being of all of our residents; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover has established the Committee for Racial Equity and Inclusion to advance our deeply committed goals of ensuring the human rights and dignity of all residents irrespective of race, color, creed, religion, national or social origin, or ancestry; and

WHEREAS: The conflict has triggered a mass rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia across the world, including here in New Hampshire, and this Council’s stated goals of making the City of Dover a welcoming and inclusive community call upon us to oppose and condemn acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all other forms of hatred and bigotry whenever and wherever they appear; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover affirms its unwavering support for all Arab, Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, and all other members of the Dover community who are impacted, each of whom has the right to learn, work, worship, gather, advocate, mourn, and celebrate free from intimidation, harassment, and fear of violence; and

WHEREAS: Our values call on us to condemn violence, in all forms, in the strongest possible terms, including violence as a means of resistance, and all acts of terrorism and war and the killing of civilians; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover expresses its deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in and around Gaza and its impact on the civilian populations there, underlining the need for timely and safe humanitarian access into and throughout the Gaza Strip, and takes note of the concerning reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations in this regard; and

WHEREAS: The City of Dover expresses deep concern regarding the ongoing captivity and status of hostages living and deceased.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND DOVER CITY COUNCIL THAT:

As principles in line with our community’s values, the City of Dover asks the President of the United States and members of the United States Congress to

1) secure a bilateral ceasefire that guarantees all Palestinians and Israelis the right to safety, dignity and freedom;

2) immediately ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza; and

3) ensure the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.

The City of Dover affirms the right of Israelis, Palestinians, and of all states and peoples to exist in peace and security.

The City of Dover firmly condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate, bigotry, and discrimination, reaffirming its commitment to a community where all individuals are respected and protected, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or connections to global issues.

AND, FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

A copy of this resolution shall be sent to United States Representative Chris Pappas from New Hampshire; United States Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire; and United States President Joseph Biden, urging them to take action toward this end.