Binghamton, New York passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 10, 2024
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BINGHAMTON STATE OF NEW YORK
Dated: April 10, 2024
Sponsored by Councilmember(s): Hotchkiss, Porter, Dundon
Introduced by Committee(s) on: Rules and Procedures/Special Studies
RESOLUTION entitled
A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CEASE FIRE IN GAZA, THE RELEASE OF HOSTAGES, AND INCREASED HUMANITARIAN AID
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, The Binghamton City Council expresses its unwavering support for all Arab, Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, and all other members of the community who are impacted, each of whom has the right to learn, work, worship, gather, advocate, mourn, and celebrate free from intimidation and harassment; and
WHEREAS, The Binghamton City Council condemns all forms of anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia; and
WHEREAS, Between October 7 and March 13, armed violence has claimed the lives of over 1,300 Israelis and over 31,000 Palestinians, including Americans, and wounded tens of thousands more; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk of bombing and starvations if a permanent cease-fire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and
WHEREAS, All members of the New York congressional delegation must use the platform provided by their office to advocate for measures that will result in the least amount of death and violence and amplify the voices of their constituents; and
WHEREAS, The United States must support a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that respects the human rights and dignities of both peoples; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Government holds immense diplomatic power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Binghamton
(1) Calls upon the Biden administration to immediately call for and facilitate deescalation, the return of hostages, and a permanent cease-fire to prevent further death and humanitarian catastrophe; and
(2) Calls upon the Biden administration to immediately reinstate funding to UNRWA and to send and facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid at the levels recommended by the United Nations for the Palestinian people.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon passage, a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Office of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Office of U.S. House Representative Marc Molinaro, the Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Office of New York State Senator Lea Webb, the Office of New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.