Athens, Ohio CEASEFIRE resolution passed on February 19, 2024

Introduced by Michael Wood, City Council Member

A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE DE-ESCALATION AND CEASE-FIRE IN ISRAEL AND OCCUPIED PALESTINE.

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

WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Athens unconditionally opposes the Semitism and lslamophobia that have led to the rise in hateful rhetoric and actions targeting Jewish, Muslim, and Arab people in the United States and worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Government holds immense diplomatic power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Athens, State of Ohio:

SECTION I: The Council of the City of Athens here by urges leaders at the Federal and State levels to urgently end the current violence.

SECTION II: The Council of the City of Athens further urges the Federal Government to halt funding for the war and calls upon the Biden administration to promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

SECTION III: This Resolution shall be in effect and full force upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.