Agenda Summary
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In support of an enduring ceasefire in Gaza.
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Official Text
WHEREAS, The Somerville City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality; and
WHEREAS, Since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 240 taken hostage, over 24,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 60,000 wounded, including enormous numbers of children; and
WHEREAS, The ongoing military campaign and blockade of Gaza has caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, including the displacement of approximately 1.9 million people (85% of Gaza’s population), the near total destruction of the healthcare system and civilian infrastructure, with the World Health Organization reporting that all Gazan hospitals have been destroyed or seriously damaged, and nearly 2.2 million people at “imminent risk of famine,” according to the United Nations; and
WHEREAS, Our Federal delegation has been outspoken on this issue, including MA-7 Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley who has been a leading advocate for a ceasefire, who recently wrote “[L]et us recommit ourselves to the belief that life is precious through demanding a ceasefire, which is the best way to save lives, return all hostages, and deliver the humanitarian aid desperately needed in Gaza,”; and
WHEREAS, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey recently wrote “We must also resume the ceasefire that allowed for desperately needed humanitarian aid to get into Gaza and that facilitated the release of 105 hostages so that all hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 are freed”; and
WHEREAS, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote, in response to the temporary ceasefire of November 2023, that the continuing military campaign “has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, the deaths of thousands of civilians in Gaza, and endangered the region’s long-term stability…I’ve repeatedly urged the Israeli government to stop the bombing in Gaz...
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