The Borough of Haledon, New Jersey passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on December 21, 2023

RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

WHEREAS, The Borough of Haledon recognizes and embraces the unified and beautiful diversity throughout our Borough; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is a complex and deeply rooted issue that has resulted in immense suffering and thousands of innocent lives lost on on both sides; and

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

WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 1.5 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the US Agency for International Development (USAID, the International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss o f life o f civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, sixty six percent ofAmerican voters support aceasefire, according to an October 20th, 2023, Data for Progress poll, and want to see the U.S. leverage its diplomatic relationships "to prevent further violence and civilian deaths"; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haledon stands in solidarity with all those affected by this conflict and urge the international community to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Government holds immense diplomatic power to end this conflict peacefully and save innocent lives; and we call upon the Biden Administration and our Federal Delegation to immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to urgently end the current violence; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Haledon supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R.786 and joins other cities across the nation in calling on our Congress Members to demand: an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough of Haledon expresses its heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones and our sincere hope for a future where peace, justice and coexistence prevail. A copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to our Federal Representatives by the Municipal Clerk.