Canton Township, Michigan CEASEFIRE resolution passed December 12, 2023

RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON, MICHIGAN

Resolution Calling for an End to the Conflict in Gaza and Israel

Whereas on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel, taking hostages and resulting in the deaths of Israelis;

Whereas the Cabinet of Israel subsequently formally declared war against Hamas;

Whereas outside of the brief humanitarian ceasefire Gaza has been largely cut off from humanitarian aid, and according to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Palestinians have been internally displaced, without safe drinking water, food, fuel, electricity, and medical care which has created a humanitarian disaster;

Whereas the war against Hamas has destroyed much of the civilian infrastructure within Gaza, including hospitals, and resulted in the deaths of Palestinians, mostly women and children;

Whereas continued escalation could result in a larger regional conflict with devastating consequences;

Whereas all sovereign nations must comply with international humanitarian law regardless of geographic context;

Whereas all acts of violence aimed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians should be condemned and the loss of all civilian lives should be mourned; and

Whereas a lasting resolution can only be achieved by peaceful means and diplomacy; now, therefore be it;

Resolved the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton calls for return to an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire in order to protect and save human lives throughout the region, which would allow for humanitarian aid and the unhindered provision of goods to civilians in need; and the unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held hostage, demanding humane treatment in compliance with international law;

Further Resolved the Canton Township Clerk’s Office will provide a copy of this resolution to Canton’s delegation in the Michigan legislature, and the United States Congressional delegation which represents Canton Township;

Further Resolved the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton affirms its commitment to combat Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian/anti-Arab bigotry, its support for the people of both Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security, and the right of all people, here and abroad, to live, learn, work, play, pray, and engage in peaceful protest, all without threats, intimidation, or death. Additionally, the Board affirms that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity; and

Finally Resolved the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton affirms our collective duty to lead in our community with the values of peace, justice, and compassion. The Board reminds the community of our goal of being a Welcoming Community, as hate has no home here, and that in 2014 the Canton Township Equal Rights Ordinance was passed and then updated in 2022 to ensure each and every resident of our Township have the same benefits of safety and non-discrimination as anyone else.