The resolution called for release of hostages and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The City Clerk reported that the resolution had the support of 86% of the 1,284 comments submitted online, along with a clear majority in the Council chambers. Many speakers urged the Oakland Council not to agree to any amendments, and no amendments were approved.
“One Palestinian speaker said they had lost eight members of their family due to [neocolonial] bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza,” stated a report on Oaklandside.org. Local authorities reported 1.6 million people, or 75% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced and approximately 14,000 people killed. UNICEF said about one-third of the dead were children.
I’m waiting to see what San Francisco does with the resolution introduced this week:
SF supervisors introduce resolution for sustained ceasefire in Gaza
It’s prospectively getting pushed to January, though citizens are trying to force the council into voting for it on the coming tuesday instead.