The Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee (CA) passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on January 11, 2024

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CESSATION OF VIOLENCE, PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS, AND A SUSTAINABLE PEACE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

WHEREAS spiraling violence has unfolded in both Israel and in Gaza in the weeks that have followed Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, while in the United States and elsewhere we have witnessed an unacceptable and frightening rise of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian bias, and violence based on any of the foregoing is an outrage and must be fought and condemned by all; and

WHEREAS in all conflicts the killing of civilians must be avoided and it is becoming increasingly clear that the unfortunate resumption of hostilities risk a complete collapse of order in Gaza, without enough food, water, fuel, and shelter to sustain the civilian population at even the most minimal level, and the wide destruction in Gaza has made it difficult, if not impossible, for innocent civilians to safely shelter from attack anywhere; and

WHEREAS additional information about incidents of sexual and gender-based violence against women and children that was part of the October 7th attack and additional information about the scope of civilian loss in Gaza and the West Bank is horrifying and heartbreaking, and at the same time the horror of the violence over the past two months and magnitude of casualties makes clear the urgent need for change;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Santa Clara County Democratic Party calls for negotiations toward a sustainable ceasefire; the release of all hostages; an end to terrorism; the cessation of violence and suffering in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel; and a long-term, two-state solution – previously undercut by the policies of the Netanyahu government – that provides both security and recognition between Israel and Palestine; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge the Biden Administration to use every tool at its disposal to secure a just and sustainable resolution to the conflict through diplomacy and negotiations.

Sponsored by Sousan Manteghi-Safakish

Co-Sponsors: San Jose Council Member Peter Ortiz; Morgan Hill City Council Member Yvonne Martinez Beltrán; Morgan Hill Unified School District Trustee John Horner; Brian O’Neill, AD28; Charmaine Ritter Jabr; Ronald Robinson Jr.; Jenny Sarmiento; and the Avalanche Democratic Club

Adopted, as amended, by the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee on January 11, 2024