Bay Area Ceasefire Chorus: In the clamor of Bay Area city council meetings, a unified plea echoed across four cities – a call for a ceasefire resolution amid the Israel-Hamas war.
San Francisco’s City Hall witnessed a public comment line that not only stretched outside but snaked down the block. Supervisors Dean Preston and Hillary Ronen put forth a resolution advocating a Gaza ceasefire, aligning with cities like Richmond and Oakland.
By 11 p.m., public commentary in San Francisco showed no signs of fading, making a vote on the resolution unlikely that Tuesday night.
In San Jose, speaker after speaker pressed the city council to initiate a resolution. One speaker passionately conveyed, “A ceasefire is ceasing fire. It means that people stop dying.”
Yet, Mayor Matt Mahan cited city policy, preventing the council from taking stances on foreign policy. He clarified that if a council member brings forth a resolution, the legislative process would propel it through the rules committee in January.
Berkeley’s City Council meeting faced disruptions for the second consecutive week as calls for a ceasefire resonated. Mayor Jesse Arreguín struggled to maintain order, even calling for recess breaks due to disruptions.
In Hayward, citizens urged their city council to draft a ceasefire resolution, emphasizing the council’s institutional power.
While Hayward’s mayor deferred a decision that Tuesday night, some council members expressed interest in continuing the conversation, adding a dynamic note to the chorus seeking a path to peace.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What countries voted against ceasefire?
The resolution was opposed by Austria, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Liberia, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the United States.
Is it ceasefire or cease fire?
A ceasefire, also referred to as a truce or armistice, is a brief pause in a conflict where both parties agree to halt hostile actions. It is the opposite of ‘open fire’ and serves as a temporary break in the ongoing war.
How does ceasefire work?
A cease-fire is a pact that governs the halt of all military operations for a specific duration in a particular region. It can be announced independently or discussed between conflicting parties.
What is the ceasefire now resolution?
The Ceasefire Now Resolution, also known as Res. 786, is a call to action for the Biden Administration to take immediate steps towards de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. The resolution also urges the administration to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the ongoing conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution.