St. Louis, Missouri CEASEFIRE resolution passed on January 12, 2024

RESOLUTION NUMBER 137

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
CALLING ON THE PRESIDENT TO WORK TOWARD A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

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

WHEREAS, the temporary truce that came to an end on Friday, December 1st demonstrated that a negotiated ceasefire is the only way to release all hostages, deliver aid, stop bombing, and save lives; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a ceasefire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and

WHEREAS, the Federal government holds immense diplomatic power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives and should utilize that power to that effect; and

WHEREAS, we unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7th. We also condemn the response of Israel that led to the deaths of civilians, journalists, and healthcare workers; and

WHEREAS, we deeply regret that military operations have resumed in Gaza and we reiterate that all people - Israeli, Palestinian, and all others - are entitled to life lived in safety and free from violence; and

WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis condemns the recent rise of antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, and xenophobia-fueled attacks in our city and across the nation, including the doxxing of elected officials, students, professors, journalists, and others speaking truth to power; and

WHEREAS, our constituents who reside in the City of St. Louis has made very clear that they want to see an end to this violence and want the U.S. to immediately demand a bilateral ceasefire; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing conflict in Israeli and Gaza has led to significant loss of life, immense humanitarian crises, and continued suffering for innocent civilians, including those with ties to St. Louis; 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 millions of Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and

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

WHEREAS, we stand in urging the United States to act decisively by calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, echoing the strong and urgent plea of our community for peace; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of St. Louis supports members of Congress and the Biden administration to demand: an immediate bilateral ceasefire; release of all hostages; the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies; respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, U.S. President Joe Biden, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end violence.

Introduced this 20th day of October, 2023 by:
The Honorable Rasheen Aldridge, Alderman 14th Ward Cosponsors:
The Honorable Megan Green, President, Board of Alderman The Honorable Shane Cohn, Alderman 3rd Ward
The Honorable Alisha Sonnier, Alderwoman 7th Ward