Item 19 - Councilmember Request Resolution Ceasefire in Gaza

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CITY ATTORNEY Sonia R. Carvalho INTERIM CITY MANAGER Tom Hatch CITY CLERK Jennifer L. Hall 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org Councilmember-Requested Item Report DATE December 5, 2023 TOPIC Ceasefire Resolution COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE Discuss and Consider Directing the Interim City Manager to Prepare a Resolution for City Council’s Consideration to Call in Support of a Ceasefire in Gaza DISCUSSION In light of recent International news, this resolution calls for the City Council of Santa Ana to voice their support of civilians in Gaza where we have seen the death toll reach record numbers. On October 7, we witnessed an unprecedented attack from Hamas killing over 1,200 Israeli citizens. Since then, Israel has declared war on Hamas, killing over 14,854 innocent civilians in Gaza, and humanitarian aid running low including food, water, and medical supplies. On November 22, 2023, Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary four-day ceasefire in Gaza. However, there is no indication that either party has intentions of ending the war indefinitely. We want to voice our support for a ceasefire resolution, where the state of Israel declares a permanent ceasefire over Gaza, letting Palestinian civilians grieve, mourn, and rebuild what they have lost over the past 45 days and counting. International affairs have a significant impact on domestic and local matters. California, in particular, is home to over 29,000 people of Palestinian descent, and our city is intricately connected to Palestinian history. An unfortunate incident in 1985 further highlights this connection—Alex Odeh, a Palestinian activist, was killed in a bombing in Santa Ana. His death was subsequently declared a civil rights violation. We cannot turn a blind eye while our brothers and sisters in our communities are hurting. As public servants, champions of public policy, we stand in solidarity with our Palestinian community here and abroad, and join the struggle of liberation for the people in Gaza. We have a responsibility to call out all acts of injustice and use our platform to support those people in need. We join the Detroit City Council in calling for a resolution for a ceasefire. SUBMITTED BY Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez and Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez EXHIBIT Proposed Resolution