Union City, New Jersey CEASEFIRE resolution passed February 6, 2024
CITY OF UNION CITY, COUNTY OF HUDSON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION #12/28-6 ON THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT AND CALLING FOR PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES
WHEREAS, the longstanding and deeply complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a source of immense suffering for both Israeli and Palestinian people and the recent hostilities in Gaza have created tragic consequences, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives, extensive devastation, and suffering on all sides; and
WHEREAS, the City of Union City (the "City") is committed to the principles of human rights, equality, international law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; and
WHEREAS, it is important to protect the rights, safety, and security ofall people, including those in West Bank, Gaza, Palestine, and Israel; and
WHEREAS, international law forbids the intentional targeting of civilians, hostage-taking, use of human shields, collective punishment, forced displacement, cutting off water and electricity for civilians, and denying immediate humanitarian aid; and
WHEREAS, the civilian casualties and the plight of hostages in connection with the war in Gaza has caused deep concern all over the world; and
WHEREAS, Antisemitic and Islamophobic acts are occurring more frequently in America, including numerous incidents on college campuses across the United States that threaten the well being and safety of both Jewish and Muslim students, bomb threats against Jewish institutions, the murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American Muslim child and the attempted murder of his mother in Illinois, and the shooting oftwo (2) Palestinian-American students and their Palestinian friend in Vermont; and
WHEREAS, the City of Union City supports policies and programs that restore moral status in the world by promoting human rights and democracy and condemns all acts of terrorism and violence committed by any terrorist organizations; and
WHEREAS, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a statement on October 27, 2023, expressing the ILO Director-General's "support for the UN Secretary-General's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release ofthe hostages"; and
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement proclaiming that "WHO reiterates its calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and reminds all parties to the conflict to take all precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure"; and
WHEREAS, in a briefing held on October 31, 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with the Security Council stated that "a humanitarian ceasefire, coupled of course with substantive delivery of humanitarian aid inside Gaza, can at least stop this spiral of death, and I hope that you will overcome your divisions and exercise your authority in demanding one"; and
WHEREAS, the World Food Programme (WPP) released a statement on November 5, 2023, requesting "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and
WHEREAS, the Biden administration has taken the lead in establishing a humanitarian pause in the conflict, resulting in the release of some Israeli and international hostages, some Palestinian prisoners, and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza; and
WHEREAS, hostages are still being held on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for additional aid for the civilians of Gaza is substantial.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners of the City of Union City calls for an immediate and pennanent ceasefire, encouraging all parties to cease hostilities, prioritize the protection of civilian lives, and for the immediate release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian hostages in connection with the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the war in Gaza.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Union City urges the International Community, including the United States of America, to actively support and engage in diplomatic efforts to bring about a permanent ceasefire to prioritize the protection of innocent civilian lives on both sides, support fundamental principles of human rights, and bring about a peaceful and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Union City stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine, who are suffering as a result of the violence and hostilities being inflicted as a result ofthe war in Gaza.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Union City condemns any and all acts of terrorism perpetrated by any terrorist organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Union City supports President Biden's efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
I, Hilda I. Rosario, Acting City Clerk for the City of Union City, in the County of Hudson, New Jersey, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Union City, New Jersey at a meeting held on February 6, 2024. IN WITNESS THEREOF, I, the said Acting City Clerk, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of the City, on this 6th day of February 2024.