Numerous municipalities and other local bodies in the United States have passed resolutions urging a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war. Richmond, California became the first city to pass such a resolution on October 25, eighteen days after the outbreak of hostilities.[1] Resolutions are generally modeled after the Ceasefire Now resolution, introduced in the US Congress by Cori Bush, which also called for release of the hostages. At least 20 cities condemned the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.[2] Seventy cities had passed resolutions by the end of January 2024. As of March 2024, resolutions have passed in over 100 localities, including the major cities of Atlanta, Chicago, Dayton, Detroit, Minneapolis, Providence, Sacramento, Seattle, St. Paul, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Toledo.[3]
Resolution proponents generally call for greater recognition of Palestinian rights, an immediate end to military hostilities, and the provision of humanitarian aid. The resolutions have been opposed by advocates for Israel who argue that a ceasefire would impede the Israeli military effort to defeat Hamas.[2] In San Francisco, proponents included hundreds of Jews and Muslims opposed to the war.[2] In March 2024, The Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution that called for "a six-week cease-fire, the release of vulnerable hostages, and the provision of unrestricted humanitarian aid."[4]
