Brentwood, Maryland passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on May 21, 2024

Resolution affirming the Town of Brentwood's commitment to human rights and support for Congressional and worldwide calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza

WHEREAS, the Town of Brentwood has committed in word and in deed to the idea that all people are inherently of equal value and deserving of the same rights; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Brentwood advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of people of all faiths and beliefs, races, ethnicities, and nationalities; and

WHEREAS, we as local leaders stand firmly against the rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic attacks in Maryland and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, since October 7n, 2023, over 1,000 people in Israel and more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed in the past six months, of whom over 13,000 are children; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Brentwood recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and

WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is worsening with each passing day, with a lack of medical aid, food, clean water, and shelter, and over two million Palestinians are facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization, United Nations, Save the Children, Human Rights Watch, the US Agency for International Development, the International Rescue Committee, His Holiness Pope Francis, more than 120 countries, and countless other organizations in Maryland and around the world have called for a permanent ceasefire to end the violence and suffering in the Gaza Strip and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law. Doctors Without Borders has advocated for "a total ceasefire and the unconditional supply of humanitarian aid, including access to food, fuel, and water. The survival of people in Gaza depends on this"; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Brentwood is a vital economic and social contributor to Prince George's County, the State of Maryland, and our nation; is invested in issues outside our town borders that impact constituents here at home; and acknowledges that there are countless other atrocities around the globe which also demand attention and aid; and

WHEREAS, the United States holds significant diplomatic power and influence globally, has the opportunity to save lives in Israel, Palestine, and the region, and in this moment we are advocating to our State and Federal leaders to use their power to call for peace; and now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Town of Brentwood joins other cities, towns, and counties across the nation in calling on our elected leaders to demand: an immediate and permanent ceasefire by all involved parties; release of all hostages; the unrestricted and safeguarded entry of humanitarian assistance; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution will be sent to: municipal elected leaders in Prince George's County, the offices of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, County Council Chair Jolene Ivey, State Senator Malcolm Augustine, State Delegate Julian Ivey, State Delegate Diana Fennell, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and U.S. President Joe Biden, urging them to take immediate action to use their positions and influence to end violence.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF May 21 2024