Weehawken, New Jersey passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 28, 2024

TOWNSHIP OF WEEHAWKEN, COUNTY OF HUDSON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION # 28-2024 ON THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT AND CALLING FOR 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 have created tragic consequences, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives, extensive devastation, and suffering on all sides; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Weehawken (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, safety, and security of all people, including those in West Bank, Gaza, and Israel; and

WHEREAS, the civilian casualties and the plight of hostages in connection with the war in Gaza has 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 wellbeing and safety of 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 Weehawken 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 Labor 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, the Biden administration has taken the lead in establishing a 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 Township Council of the Township of Weehawken call for an immediate ceasefire, encouraging all parties to cease hostilities, prioritize the protection of civilian lives, and for the immediate release of hostages.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of Weehawken urges the International Community, including the United States of America, to actively support and engage in diplomatic efforts to bring about a permanent ceasefire.

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

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

I, Rola Fares, Township Clerk for the Township of Weehawken, in the County of Hudson, New Jersey, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Weehawken, New Jersey at a meeting held on February 28, 2024. IN WITNESS THEREOF, I, the said Township Clerk, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of the Township, on this 28th day of February 2024.