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A Resolution of the County of Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania condemning the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas against the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, supporting justice and safety for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and expressing deep condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of violence.
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WHEREAS, on October 7, 2023, militant groups led by the terrorist organization Hamas launched a large-scale invasion against Israel from the Gaza Strip by land, air and sea, in a series of unprovoked attacks specifically timed to coincide with the Jewish Sabbath; and
WHEREAS, hostilities were initiated by a rocket barrage of more than 5,000 missiles and with militants crossing the Gaza-Israel border to attack nearby Israeli communities and military bases, murdering 1,300 innocent Israelis; and
WHEREAS, the brutal attacks by Hamas have injured innocent civilians numbering in the thousands; and
WHEREAS, Hamas, through its highly coordinated attack, has taken the lives of at least 150 innocent people of multiple other nationalities, including American citizens, elderly women, children and entire families; and
WHEREAS, this reprehensible act also involved the invasion of Israeli communities located near the Gaza Strip, leading to a tragic loss of life and the taking of innocent civilians as hostages, including elderly women and young children, causing immense suffering and anguish; and
WHEREAS, since October 7, the images we have seen on the news and social media indicate atrocities being committed against Israeli civilians in Southern Israel in horrific fashion, and these atrocities must be condemned in the strongest manner; and
WHEREAS, thousands of innocent Palestinian people also have been killed or injured as a result of the conflict initiated by Hamas; and
WHEREAS, the violent actions of Hamas do not represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people; and
WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that the moral and ethical duty of the international community to stand firmly against acts of terrorism and violence targeting innocent civilians, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation; and
WHEREAS, on October 9, 2023, President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom and President Biden of the United States gave voice to this duty, and expressed their steadfast and united support to the State of Israel and their unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism; and
WHEREAS, these and other members of the global community support justice and safety for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and countries across the globe have shown their support for Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities launched by Hamas; and
WHEREAS, National Guard troops from the United States have deployed to the Sinai Peninsula since 2007 as part of an ongoing international peacekeeping mission to ensure that the 1978 Camp David Accords peace agreement between Egypt and Israel is upheld; and
WHEREAS, recent security agreements have further brought peace and stability to the Middle East, and Allegheny County stands in opposition to any state or entity, including Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah, that supports terrorism of any kind or provides aid and support to those who fund terror against it; and
WHEREAS, the longstanding friendship and alliance between the United States and the State of Israel is built on shared values, principles and mutual respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, including these recent security agreements; and
WHEREAS, the State of Israel is a sovereign nation with the inherent right to defend its citizens and territory from external threats and the people of Israel deserve our unwavering support in their time of need;
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby resolves as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of the Preamble.
The provisions set forth in the preamble to this Resolution are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
Section 2.
The County of Allegheny hereby declares that it:
A. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas against the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, the Jewish Sabbath, also known as Shabbat;
B. Urges the Congress of the United States to provide the State of Israel with the support necessary to ensure its safety and security and condemn the terrorist attack in Israel by Hamas; and
C. Recognizes that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification and no legitimacy and there must be universal condemnation of the terrorist actions; and
D. Stands with Israel against the barbaric war launched by Hamas; and
E. Recognizes our shared humanity with all affected innocent people in the region and pray for a lasting and just resolution to the current hostilities; and
F. Expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of violence; and
G. Pledges its solidarity with the Israeli people during this challenging time and its unwavering support for the State of Israel's right to defend itself against this barbaric war and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens; and
H. Calls upon the Congress of the United States and the international community to condemn unequivocally acts of terrorism and violence deliberately targeting civilians and to support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Section 3. Severability. If any provision of this Resolution shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Resolution which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. Repealer. Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisions of this Resolution is hereby repealed so far as the same affects this Resolution.