Citizens speaking in favor of the Permanent Ceasefire Resolution.
Photo Credit: Betty Bastidas

After consistent pressuring by citizens of the City of Newburgh, the council passed the resolution that had gone through different drafts before being approved. As reported by WAMC, the vote passed 5-0-2.

The proposed resolution reads as follows:

A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT HUMANITARIAN CEASEFIRE

WHEREAS, all human live is precious; and

WHEREAS, over 23,000 Palestinians and over 1,200 Israelis have been killed since October 7th; and

WHEREAS, collective punishment and the killing of civilians are war crimes under international law; and

WHEREAS, the deal negotiated in late November for a temporary ceasefire and release of some hostages is insufficient, and a more permanent solution is desperately needed; and

WHEREAS, the United States holds immense diplomatic power to save Palestinian and Israeli lives; and

WHEREAS, all elected officials must use the platform provided by their offices to advocate for measures that will end violence and prevent death;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Newburgh:

1. Condemns the killing of civilians, collective punishment, and all forms of Islamophobia and antisemitism; and

2. Urges the Biden administration to call for and facilitate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza; and

3. Urges the Biden administration to send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza; and

4. Calls for the release of all hostages and political prisoners; and

5. Urges elected officials representing the City of Newburgh to call for a permanent ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of all hostages;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon passage, a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the office of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the office of U.S. Representative Pat Ryan, the Office of State Senator Rob Rolison, and the Office of State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.