Villa Park, Illinois passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 11, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 24014
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PERMANENT AND IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF VIOLENCE AND THE RENEWAL OF A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
WHEREAS, we decry violence of any sort and believe in dignity and basic human rights for all people.
WHEREAS, we deplore the loss of innocent human life.
WHEREAS, we recognize the collective suffering of all people involved in and witness to the horrors unleashed on and since the 1O/7/23 attack by the internationally recognized terrorist organization Hamas against Israeli civilians.
WHEREAS, we express our grave concern at the escalation of violence since Hamas’s 10/7/23 attack on Israel, Israel's response, causing the horrendous situation in the Gaza Strip.
WHEREAS, we condemn all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement, and destruction.
WHEREAS, we recognize that no people are a monolith.
WHEREAS, we recognize that the actions and ideologies of Hamas does not reflect the beliefs of all Gazans.
WHEREAS, we recognize that the actions and ideologies of the Israeli government does not reflect the beliefs of all Israelis.
WHEREAS, we condemn the placement of military infrastructure, such as weapons storage and manufacturing facilities, rocket launch sites, information technology hubs, and other installations, among civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, places of worship, schools, and people's homes.
WHEREAS, we believe in the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionatity, and precaution in the conduct of hostitities.
WHEREAS, the US provides and sells weapons of war to governments throughout the world.
WHEREAS, according to the US State Department, the US provided 3.3 billion in military aid to Israel in 2023.
WHEREAS, the people of Gaza are suffering, in part, from the weapons of war paid for by the tax dollars of US citizens.
WHEREAS, there are rules for the treatment of those held in captivity mandated by the Geneva Convention and other International Law.
WHEREAS, we recognize the right of all people to self-determination, and the principle of accountability for one's actions.
WHEREAS, innocent people in Gaza and Israel are paying the price for intolerance and the resulting war.
WHEREAS, innocent people are paying the price for a breakdown in diplomacy.
WHEREAS, the most vulnerable are paying the highest price.
WHEREAS, there is no justification for the killing of any child.
WHEREAS, according to the UN, over 1200 Israelis died and over 5400 Israelis were injured in the 1O/7/23 attack resulting in the single deadliest day for Jews worldwide since the Holocaust.
WHEREAS, according to US Representative Sean Casten, on 2/29/24, nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed with nearly 70,000 more injured in this recent conflict.
WHEREAS, the consequences of the violence commencing on 10/7/23 and ensuing war will result in generational trauma.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE VILLAGE OF VILLA PARK AS FOLLOWS:
1. We demand the immediate release of all hostages.
2. We demand an immediate cessation of all violence and an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
3. We condemn the actions of Hamas on 10/7/23 and their continued crimes.
4. We condemn unlawful actions by Israel in response to the attack from Hamas on 10/7/23.
5. We support a peaceable, nonviolent sotution for the conftict in lsraet and Gaza.
6. We do not want our tax money spent on the direct weapons of war that results in killing innocent civilians.
7. Those that supply weapons of war should be held strictly liable and responsible for the death, suffering and injury caused by those weapons when used against innocent people.
8. We demand that our elected USA governments strictly adhere to the International Law, US Law and including but not limited to the Leahy Law.
9. All hostages and captives, if not immediately released, must be given well checks, medical care, and aid by neutral 3rd parties or NGOs.
10. All detainees and prisoners must be given due process.
11. We demand that all parties immediately and fully comply with their obligations under international law including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and Geneva Conventions, particularly in regard to the protection of civilians and civilian objects , as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel, humanitarian facilities and assets, and to enable and facilitate humanitarian access for essential supplies and services to reach all civilians, who are not members of or fighters for Hamas, in need, in the Gaza Strip.
12. We demand that Hamas is held to the same strict account as any state actor would be under International Law.
13. We recall and reiterate that civilians are protected under international humanitarian law and should receive humanitarian assistance wherever they are and reiterate the need to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians, in particular children and their protection, and allowing their safe movement.
14. We firmty reject any attempt at the forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population.
15. We call for respect and protection, consistent with international humanitarian law, of all civilian and humanitarian facilities, including hospitals and other medical facilities, as well as their means of transport, and equipment, schools, places of worship and United Nations facilities, as well as all humanitarian and medical personnel and journalists, medical professionals and associated personnel, from armed conflict in the region.
16. We expect the international community to create a sustainable solution to ensure the safety of all Palestinian and Israeli people.
17. We ask all world powers to come together in dialogue and action to create an immediate path to permanent peace.
18. We call upon President Biden to use all his powers of the presidency, through diplomacy, funding and his voice, to stop the violence and allow access to existing and continued humanitarian aid and long-term economic rehabilitation of the region.
19. We call upon all our political leaders, from the local level to the highest office, to use the powers of their office and position to influence a stop to the violence and allow access to existing and continuous humanitarian aid.
20. We commit to the pursuit that all people in Villa Park feel safe in their identity.
21. We stand united against Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, bigotry, and hate in all forms.
22.We stand united for the release of the hostages abducted from Israel on 10/7/23.
23. We stand united for the cessation of violence.
24. We stand united for rebuilding and healing to begin.
25. We are each one person, on one earth, given one life, with one voice, but together and in peace, all things are possible.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 11th DAY OF March, 2024.
VILLAGE OF VILLA PARK