NOVEMBER 21, 2023 BY CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASES
The Seattle City Council approved an amended resolution tonight calling for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, an immediate return of all hostages, and restoration of humanitarian aid. It also condemns rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian/Arab bigotry.
Council President Debora Juarez and Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Teresa Mosqueda put this common ground amendment forward. It is in line with the demands being made by a large interfaith coalition and other community members who signed the Washington Solidarity Statement.
The amendment underscores the Council’s support for the people of both Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security, and the right of all people to live, learn, work, play, pray, and engage in peaceful protest, without the threats of intimidation or death. The amendment condemns violations of international law, including both the attack on October 7, 2023 by Hamas and the Israeli military’s response on the 2.3 million Palestinian people living in Gaza (nearly half of whom are children) since then.