Agenda Item #11.1 Zack Hilton Resolution.pdfFrom:Council Member Zachary Hilton
To:Public Comments
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:Public Comment (February 26) Item #11.1 Resolution Calling For A Permanent Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine
Date:Tuesday, February 20, 2024 11:10:55 AM
Attachments:Future Council Initiated Agenda Item Ceasefire Resolution.pdf
City Clerk,
Attached is my public comment for (February 26) Item #11.1 Resolution Calling For A
Permanent Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.
Thank you.
Zach Hilton
Gilroy City Council Member
www.zachhilton.com
#HiltonForCouncil @zachhilton_ca
2/26/2024 Regular Meeting AGENDA ITEM #11.1
Contact:Zach Hilton
Zachary.Hilton@cityofgilroy.org
669-270-6232
February 6,2024
Future Council Initiated Agenda Items-Below is the proposed language that is being
submitted for this resolution brought forward by the community to Gilroy City Council
through open public comment received during the February 5th Regular Meeting.
Resolution Calling For A Permanent Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine (Community
Version)
WHEREAS,Gilroy is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity,values
all life,and upholds the principles of equality and human rights;and
WHEREAS,incidents of anti-Semitic,anti-Arab,and anti-Muslim bigotry and violence
are on the rise within our country,posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety
of our diverse communities and all Americans;and acknowledges the suffering of
Palestinians and Israelis,and affirms our shared humanity;
WHEREAS,we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the tragic loss of
innocent Israeli lives in the horrific attack on October 7th;and
WHEREAS,we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the loss of innocent
Palestinian lives from the horrific indiscriminate bombing upon the civilian population of
Gaza.
WHEREAS,Gilroy supports the dignity and safety of all residents in any community in
which all human life is precious and valued,and the targeting of civilians-no matter their
faith or ethnicity,or country of origin-is abhorrent;and
WHEREAS,over two million Palestinian lives in Gaza,including Israeli hostages,are at
imminent risk if a permanent cease-fire is not achieved and continuous humanitarian aid
is not assured;and
WHEREAS,Gilroy strives for people in our community with disparate perspectives to
unite in our advocacy for peaceful and respectful dialogue for the good of humanity.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that Gilroy calls for:
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1)an immediate permanent ceasefire for sustainable peace to urgently end the current
violence;and
2)the immediate release of all Israeli &Palestinian hostages;and
3)an immediate end to the blockade and siege of Gaza,with the prompt provision of
humanitarian assistance to Gaza including supplying food,water,fuel,and medical
supplies which are indispensable for the survival of the civilian population of Gaza;and
4)all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law;and
5)affirms the American Academy of Pediatrics’following policy statement:
•Children should never be harmed because of the religious,cultural,and other
beliefs and values of the child and/or their family;
•Harm to children should never be used as a tool or tactic of war or conflict;
•Children should be protected from the direct effects of armed conflicts and their
food,housing,health,and other basic needs safeguarded.
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