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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County urging the United States Federal Government to work cooperatively towards an immediate de-escalation and cease-fire in Israel and Palestine as well as the release of all hostages.
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Whereas, all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and
Whereas, on October 26th, the United Nations General Assembly, in a near unanimous vote, called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire; and
Whereas, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a ceasefire is not achieved, and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and
Whereas, the Federal Government holds immense diplomatic and appropriations powers to save Palestinian and Israeli lives;
The Council of the County of Allegheny therefore hereby moves as follows:
The Allegheny County Council calls upon our US Congressional delegation, both in the Senate and House of Representatives, to join us in urging the Biden administration to:
1. Immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire to urgently end the current violence,
2. Immediately call for and facilitate a release of all hostages held in Palestine and Israel, and
3. Promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance, at the scale needed, into Gaza.
Furthermore, the Allegheny County Council moves that, upon its passing, the bodies’ staff shall forward copies of this resolution to the President of the United States and our Congressional delegation.