City councillors in Chicago narrowly approved a nonbinding resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The resolution also includes a call for humanitarian aid and the release of captives. The vote was 24-23, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tie-breaking vote after temporarily clearing the council chambers during a heated session.
The resolution was met with controversy and calls for more support for Israel and criticism of Hamas from the council’s sole Jewish member, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein. However, the resolution remained largely unchanged, with supporters citing the need to show solidarity and hope.
The passing of this resolution adds pressure on President Joe Biden to help end the fighting, as Chicago becomes the latest city in the United States to call for a ceasefire. The resolution follows similar actions in cities such as Atlanta, Detroit, and San Francisco, with at least 48 US cities adopting symbolic resolutions calling for a halt to Israel’s Gaza bombardment.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to deep divisions in the US, highlighting the growing anger over the Biden administration’s foreign policy. The passing of ceasefire resolutions, particularly in swing states like Michigan, could have implications for Biden’s re-election bid in 2024.
Overall, the passing of the resolution in Chicago and in other cities across the US reflects a growing call for peace and humanitarian aid in the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.