Greenfield, Massachusetts passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 19, 2024

On March 18, the Greenfield City Council, on a motion by Councilor Bullock, second by Councilor Gordon, it was by majority roll call, 6 yes, 2 no, 2 abstentions,

VOTED: THE GREENFIELD CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A RESOLUTION TITLED “A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND PREVENTING FURTHER LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE IN GAZA.”

The motion was passed and so declared by the City Council President.

———

GREENFIELD MA CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A PERMANENT PEACE AND CEASEFIRE TO PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE IN GAZA

WHEREAS, all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith, nationality, or ethnicity, is a violation of international law; and

WHEREAS, between October 7, 2023 and March 18, 2024, more than 32,000 Palestinians (nearly half of them children) and 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and tens of thousands more Palestinians wounded, over 90% of the population of Gaza has been displaced, and approximately 130 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are at imminent risk of death by starvation and disease, and there is an increasing risk of wider regional and global war resulting from the current crisis that would threaten millions of lives, including Americans;

WHEREAS, the US government sends billions of dollars in unconditional aid to Israel each year, yet a significant number of Greenfield residents struggle to afford housing and living expenses and access health care, and there is an urgent need for city infrastructure improvements;

WHEREAS, the United States Federal government holds immense diplomatic and appropriations power to save Palestinian and Israeli lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Greenfield City Council calls on all members of our Congressional delegation to join us in urging the Biden administration to call for and facilitate an immediate ceasefire to support a lasting peace, the provision of life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and political prisoners on all sides;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Greenfield City Council condemns anti- Semitic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, Islamophobic, and all xenophobic rhetoric and attacks, locally, nationally, and internationally;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Greenfield City Council urges a suspension of unconditional military aid to Israel and a redirection of military spending toward goals that support the lives and livelihoods of the American public.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Greenfield City Council directs the City Clerk to forward copies of this resolution to the offices of President Biden, U.S. Senators Markey and Warren, and Congressman McGovern, along with our gratitude for any actions our representatives have taken and will take to work toward a lasting peace for Palestine and Israel.