Youngstown, Ohio passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on June 20, 2024

RESOLUTION NO. ___________ -2024, expressing sympathy for the innocent civilians victimized by the violence in Israel and Palestine; condemning violence of any kind; affirming Youngstown’s status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic religions and any other religion; encouraging residents to offer support and sincere condolences to members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities of Youngstown and all over the world; and declaring an emergency.

WHEREAS, on October 27, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a major resolution on the Gaza crisis on October 27, 2023. The resolution called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” and demanded that all parties “immediately and fully comply” with obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, “particularly in regard to the protection of civilians and civilian objects.” The resolution also urged the protection of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat, and humanitarian facilities and assets, and to enable and facilitate humanitarian access for essential supplies and services to reach all civilians in need in the Gaza Strip. The General Assembly also called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all civilians being illegally held/detained or imprisoned, demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law. The resolution was passed with 120 members in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions; and

WHEREAS, since October 7, more than 20,000 Palestinians, more than 8,000 of whom are children, have been killed because of this violence, and more than 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Youngstown wish to decry any and all acts of violence both in our own communities and around the globe, and express their deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, the City of Youngstown is committed to encouraging and uplifting both the Palestinian & Jewish communities and their communities at large; and

WHEREAS, there have been many dehumanizing incidents of anti-Palestinian, anti-Muslim, and anti-Jewish violence and rhetoric within Youngstown and the United States; and

WHEREAS, many members of the Greater Youngstown community are impacted by the ongoing conflict, including members of our Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Jewish community, along with many others.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Youngstown:

Section 1. That the City of Youngstown Council hereby expresses sympathy for the civilian victims and all those affected by the horrific violence and war.

Section 2. That the City of Youngstown hereby decries all horrific acts of violence committed against civilians of any kind.

Section 3. That the City of Youngstown hereby affirms Youngstown’s diverse status as a welcoming community for those of the Islamic and Jewish faith among all other religions.

Section 4. The City of Youngstown urgently calls for a permanent ceasefire with the release of all civilians being illegally held or detained on both sides of the conflict, along with the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors in order to preserve human life.

Section 5. That the City of Youngstown calls for all Palestinians and Israelis to abide by international law and actively engage in diplomatic efforts to remove from power those who perpetrated the October 7 massacre, support fundamental principles of human rights, and bring about a peaceful and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Council of the City of Youngstown envisions a political and humanitarian resolution that brings an end to the occupation and illegal settlement activity by Israel and recognizes the legitimate desire and need for Palestinian self-determination, as well as the legitimate desire and need for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and security.

Section 6. That this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety and welfare for the reason that it is immediately necessary for this Council to express its support for victims of the violence in Israel and Palestine, and provided this resolution receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected or appointed to Council, it shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force at the earliest time allowed by law.