Lancaster, Pennsylvania passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on June 25, 2024

A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN THE ONGOING ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT IN GAZA

WHEREAS, Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 that resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and the taking of at least 240 hostages; and

WHEREAS, since that day, approximately 36,000 Palestinians have ben killed and approximately 81,000 wounded by hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with at least half of the dead and wounded being women and children, and

WHEREAS, in 2017 the City of Lancaster was recognized as having the highest per capita immigrant and refugee resettlement population in the nation; and

WHEREAS, since October 7, 2023 there has been a sharp rise in both Islamophobia and Antisemitism in the United States, in Pennsylvania, and in the City and County of Lancaster; and

WHEREAS, the City of Lancaster currently has Palestinian, Israeli, Muslim, and Jewish residents, including refugees and their families who are directly affected by the ongoing war in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, the City of Lancaster recognizes its obligations to all of its residents who are affected by the ongoing war, including future refugees from Gaza who may settle here as result of the current conflict.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE TI RESOLVED, the City Council of Lancaster cals for an immediate and permanent, multilateral ceasefire to the war in Gaza the continuation and expansion of United States humanitarian aid to Gaza, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, het end of unconditioned United States military aid to Israel, and the release of all hostages; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Lancaster affirms its commitment to combat anti-Palestinian discrimination, antisemitism, and Islamophobia in all its forms, and to ensure the dignity, safety, and thriving of all its residents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace, U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker; U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey Jr.; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; U.S. President Joe Biden; U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris; U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken; and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.