Wayne, New Jersey passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 6, 2024

AFFIRMING SUPPORT AND SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE AND ISRAEL, AND CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

WHEREAS, The Township of Wayne recognizes and embraces the unified and beautiful diversity throughout our Township; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel is a longstanding and deeply rooted issue that has resulted in immense suffering, displacement, and thousands of innocent lives lost; and

WHEREAS, all human life is precious, and the loss of innocent civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a tragedy; and

WHEREAS, violence and terrorism can never be justified as means to achieve political goals. We believe that dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful resolutions are the only viable paths towards lasting peace and stability; and

WHEREAS, the Council condemns all acts of terrorism, no matter the perpetrator, demands the release of all hostages including American citizens, demands the release of all those held in administrative detention without charge including American citizens, is empathetic towards everyone in our community impacted by violence, and affirms the inalienable human rights enshrined in our nation’s constitution. The Council strongly believes that by ensuring these rights for all, a peaceful and just resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as other global conflicts can be achieved; and

WHEREAS, Palestinians in Gaza are in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 2 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, disease, starvation, and famine; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Wayne stands in solidarity with all those who grieve over innocent people killed and all innocent people affected by this conflict and urge the international community to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution; and

WHEREAS, The Federal Government holds immense diplomatic power to end this conflict peacefully and save innocent lives; and we call upon the Biden Administration and our Federal Delegation to facilitate a ceasefire and urgently end the conflict; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Wayne calls on our Members of Congress to facilitate: a peaceful and just resolution; release of all innocent hostages, release all those held in administrative detention without charge, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza for civilians; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza for civilians; the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all civilians; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of Wayne expresses its heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones in all current global conflicts, and our sincere hope for a future where peace, justice and coexistence prevail throughout the globe.

A copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to our State and Federal Representatives by the Municipal Clerk.