Bellingham, Washington CEASEFIRE resolution passed December 11, 2023

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN IMMEDIATE CEASE FIRE IN GAZA, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINE

WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham believes in and advocates for the self-determination of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and

WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham affirms that all human life is precious and the targeting of civilians in armed conflict, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, the City of Bellingham condemns racism in any form and further condemns the rise of racist acts, antisemitism, islamophobia, and targeted hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities that may occur or have occurred in our city, across the nation, and around the world; and

WHEREAS, the armed violence in this conflict has claimed the lives of over 17,000 people and wounded thousands more in Israel, Gaza, and Palestine, including children and United States Citizens; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives will continue to be at imminent risk if a cease fire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and

WHEREAS, the United States Government holds immense diplomatic power to engage all parties directly involved in this conflict to end the current violence, address the root causes of this crisis and develop solutions that create a clear pathway to peace and justice; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM:

That the City of Bellingham supports the proposed U.S. Congress Resolution H.R.786 and joins other cities in the United States that have already done so in urging the current administration of the United States to immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation of this conflict including an immediate cease fire, to urgently end the current violence, a release of all hostages and prisoners, and promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and all other affected areas of this armed conflict

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Washington State Congressional delegation, United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging the administration to take immediate action.