South San Francisco passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on May 8, 2024

Resolution calling for an immediate permanent bilateral ceasefire; calling for the release of the hostages; in support of allowing humanitarian aid to Gaza; and calling for the protection of the security of all innocent civilians in Israel and Palestine.

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco adopted a comprehensive update to the General Plan in 2022 with a stated vision that South San Francisco is a place where everyone can thrive within a diverse and inclusive community which ensures all people have an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of their religion or country of origin; and

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco acknowledges the suffering of the peoples of Palestine and Israel, who have been denied the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, and affirms our shared humanity; and

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco condemns the killing of all innocents before, during, and after October 7, 2023, and calls for the release of all hostages; and

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, international organizations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, including the United Nations Security Council, the World Health Organization, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international law, including U.S. Congressional Resolution H.R. No. 786 and U.N. Security Council Resolution No. 2728; and

WHEREAS, cities across the United States and the Bay Area, including Albany, Sacramento, East Palo Alto, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, Atlanta, Seattle, and Chicago, have adopted ceasefire resolutions, numbering over 100 local governments to date; and

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and

WHEREAS, most Californians support a bilateral ceasefire, including the Governor, citing, “It is time to work in earnest toward an enduring peace that will furnish the lasting security, autonomy, and freedom that Palestinians and the Israeli people both deserve;” and

WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco recognizes the rise in anti-Arab racism, anti- Palestinian racism, anti-Israeli hate, antisemitism, and Islamophobia are leaving our communities feeling increasingly unsafe and isolated – from college campuses and K-12 schools to our local religious organizations throughout the United States and even locally.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of South San Francisco that the City condemns anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, antisemitic, and Islamophobic hate in all its forms, rejects any attempt to hold a community collectively responsible for the conflict, and urges the international community to work with the Israeli and Palestinian people to find a just and lasting peace.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco is in support of allowing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco calls for an immediate permanent bilateral ceasefire, for the release of the hostages, and for the protection of the security of all innocent civilians in Israel and Palestine.