Northampton, Massachusetts passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 27, 2024

In the City Council, February 27, 2024

Upon the Recommendation of:

Councilor Alex Jarrett

Councilor Deborah Pastrich-Klemer

Councilor Rachel Maiore Councilor Stanley Moulton III

R-24.018
A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

WHEREAS, the Northampton City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, in which an estimated 1,200 Israelis adults and children were killed and about 240 hostages were taken, more than 29,300 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 12,300 children [1], and more than 69,300 wounded in Gaza, according to its Health Ministry [2]; and

WHEREAS, the continuing siege and blockade of Gaza has caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, including the displacement of approximately 1.9 million people (85% of Gaza’s population), the near total destruction of the health-care system and civilian infrastructure, with the World Health Organization reporting that all Gazan hospitals have been destroyed or seriously damaged, and nearly 2.2 million people at “imminent risk of famine,” according to the United Nations; and

WHEREAS, on Oct. 26, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza, and numerous international humanitarian organizations have similarly called for a sustained ceasefire; and

WHEREAS, members of the Northampton community, including Jews, Muslims, Arabs, and others are experiencing trauma, grief, and fear, compounded by increased antisemitic, Islamophobic and anti-Arab acts of hate; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northampton City Council condemns the attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, and condemns the ongoing bombardment and blockade of Gaza, all of which has resulted in the horrific loss of lives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northampton City Council calls for an immediate, enduring and permanent ceasefire by both sides, suspension of unrestricted military aid from the United States, the provision of unrestricted, life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and Palestinian political detainees, and urges the Biden administration, U.S. Senate and House to work toward those goals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we extend our support to all the broken-hearted and vulnerable members of our Northampton community who are affected by this ongoing crisis, reaffirm our commitment to the safety of all members of our community, and pledge to join with others seeking just and peaceful solutions, and encourage school, community, and religious leaders to work together on increased education and understanding within the Northampton community about the roots and consequences of this conflict; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, State Senator Jo Comerford, Congressman James P. McGovern, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Edward Markey, and President Joseph R. Biden.

[1] https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-12-2024- 4ade5edf47711c6b0c13d1380980de2b
[2] Figures as of February 21, 2024