North Bergen, New Jersey passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 21, 2024

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH BERGEN

RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT AND CALLING FOR PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES

WHEREAS, the longstanding and deeply complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a source of immense suffering for both Israeli and Palestinian people and the recent hostilities in Gaza have created tragic consequences, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives, extensive devastation, and suffering on all sides; and

WHEREAS, the Township of North Bergen (the "Township") is committed to the principles of human rights, equality, international law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts; and

WHEREAS, it is important to protect the rights, safely, and security or all people, including those in West Bank, Gaza, Palestine, and Israel; and

WHEREAS, international law forbids the intentional targeting of civilians, hostage-taking, use of human shields, collective punishment, forced displacement, cutting off water and electricity for civilians, and denying immediate humanitarian aid; and

WHEREAS, the civilian casualties and the plight of hostages in connection with the war in Gaza have caused deep concern all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Antisemitic and Islamophobic acts are occurring more frequently in America, including numerous incidents on college campuses across the United States that threaten the well- being and safety or both Jewish and Muslim students, bomb threats against Jewish institutions, the murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American Muslim child and the attempted murder of his mother in Illinois, and the shooting of two (2) Palestinian-American students and their Palestinian friend in Vermont; and

WHEREAS, the Township of North Bergen supports policies and programs that restore moral status in the world by promoting human rights and democracy and condemns all acts of terrorism and violence committed by any terrorist organizations; and

WHEREAS, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a statement on October 27, 2023, expressing the ILO Director-General's "support for the UN Secretary-General's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of the hostages"; and

WHEREAS, on October 28, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement proclaiming that "WHO reiterates its calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and reminds all parties to the conflict to take all precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure"; and

WHEREAS, in a briefing held on October 31, 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with the Security Council stated that "a humanitarian ceasefire, coupled of course with substantive delivery of humanitarian aid inside Gaza, can at least stop this spiral of death, and I hope that you will overcome your humanitarian pause in the conflict, resulting in the release of some Israeli and international hostages, some Palestinian prisoners, and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza; and

WHEREAS, hostages are still being held on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for additional aid for the civilians of Gaza is substantial.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners of the Township of North Bergen call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, encouraging all parties to cease hostilities, prioritize the protection of civilian lives, and for the immediate release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian hostages in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Gaza.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of North Bergen urges the international community, including the United States of America, to actively support and engage in diplomatic efforts to bring about a permanent ceasefire to prioritize the protection of innocent civilian lives on both sides, support fundamental principles of human rights, and bring about a peaceful and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of North Bergen stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine, who are suffering as a result of the violence and hostilities being inflicted as a result of the war in Gaza.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of North Bergen condemns any and all acts of terrorism perpetrated by any terrorist organizations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of North Bergen supports President Biden's efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dated: February 21, 2024