Batavia, Illinois passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 15, 2024

City of Batavia

Resolution Calling for a Permanent and Immediate Ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza

Whereas, over 31,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action in Gaza since the October 7th attack carried out by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people; and

Whereas, we mourn all civilian lives lost on, since, and before October 7th; and

Whereas, we condemn all forms of racism, colonization, anti-Semitism, ethnic cleansing, genocide, Islamophobia and collective punishment that may occur or have occurred in our city, across the nation, and around the world; and

Whereas, the Chicagoland area is home to at least 23,000 Palestinans, making the region home to the largest number of Palestininas than anywhere else in the United States; and

Whereas, the International Court of Justice found on January 26, allegations of genocide against Israel’s military operations in Gaza are “plausible;” and

Whereas, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres referred to Gaza as a “graveyard for children” on November 6th, 2023; and

Whereas, humanity has an obligation to prevent genocide; and

Whereas, the lives of approximately 120 Israeli hostages in Gaza are being imperiled by the ongoing hostilities, and the most successful moments of hostage return have been facilitated by ceasefire; and

Whereas, hundreds of thousands of lives will continue to be at risk if a ceasefire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF BATAVIA:

The City of Batavia supports the proposed U.S. Congress Resolution H.R. 786, urging an immediate ceasefire, to urgently end the violence, a release of all hostages and prisoners, and promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and other affected areas of the armed conflict.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the City of Batavia stands in solidarity with all civilians facing displacement, death, injuries, suffering, grief, loss, dehydration, starvation, and despair as a result of the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli military. As proudly displayed on the bridge downtown, the City of Batavia is committed to "Peace on Earth" which includes signing onto a resolution condemning war crimes and genocide as well as urging our leaders to call for a permanent ceasefire.

FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED:

That a copy of this resolution be sent to Senator Richard Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Representative Bill Foster, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, as well as neighboring municipalities urging them to take similar action.

PASSED THIS 15th day of April 2024 by the City of Batavia.