US City Councils Amplify Calls for Israel-Gaza Ceasefire, Analysis Reveals

By Aurora Ellis

A recent analysis has revealed that approximately 70 cities across the United States, including major cities such as Chicago and Seattle, have adopted resolutions related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with many advocating for a ceasefire. This trend adds pressure on President Joe Biden as the November general election approaches, highlighting public sentiment towards resolving the violence.

Out of these cities, at least 48 have issued symbolic resolutions calling for a halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, while six cities have passed resolutions promoting broader peace initiatives. Additionally, at least 20 cities have condemned Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel, which initiated the current violence.

The majority of ceasefire resolutions have originated in Democratic-controlled states, including California. However, at least 14 such resolutions have emerged from battleground states like Michigan, which could play a crucial role in Biden’s re-election campaign against former President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration has dismissed calls for a ceasefire, asserting that such an action would strengthen Hamas’s position. Critics argue that the city resolutions lack substantial impact on national policy and detract from pressing domestic issues.

Detroit council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who voted for a ceasefire resolution in Michigan’s largest city, expressed the growing frustration among younger officials and communities of color towards Biden and national Democratic leadership. She emphasized the need for leaders to genuinely listen to the constituents’ concerns.

When asked for a statement, the White House reiterated its stance that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas while stressing the importance of minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza.

Most notably, Chicago recently became the largest city to endorse a ceasefire after a closely contested vote where Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the deciding ballot.

The analysis included information from 70 cities that have passed resolutions regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties in Israel and around 253 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. The range of cities affected spans from major urban centers to smaller communities across the country.

Many ceasefire calls mirror a resolution proposed by U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush, advocating for immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where fatalities among Palestinians have reportedly exceeded 26,600.

In Michigan, home to a significant Arab American community, nine ceasefire calls have been documented. Biden’s support among Arab Americans has drastically declined, dropping from 59% in 2020 to just 17% in recent polling, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment.

This conflict is expected to be a pivotal issue for voters, particularly in swing states with diverse populations, according to Democratic strategist Douglas Wilson.

On Tuesday, Hamas announced it was reviewing a new ceasefire proposal presented by mediators following discussions with Israel, marking what appears to be a significant attempt at peacemaking.

Support for Israel has created deep divisions among Americans, leading to protests for both sides of the conflict. However, recent polls suggest a growing bipartisan consensus in favor of a ceasefire.

Opponents of city-level ceasefire resolutions argue that they are premature given the violence of Hamas’s recent attacks. Some city officials reported that their ceasefire initiatives received backing from Jewish constituents as well.

San Francisco Board Supervisor Hillary Ronen shared that numerous Jewish and Muslim residents advocated for the resolution that gained approval in her city, indicating a desire among constituents for a united stance against the conflict.

U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action’s policy manager, Mohammed Khader, expressed hope that elected officials will heed the voices of their Palestinian constituents.

Analysts believe that local dissatisfaction with Biden could adversely affect his campaign, potentially suppressing voter turnout in the upcoming election.

Nadia Brown, a government professor at Georgetown University, warned that many Democratic activists feel disconnected from national electoral processes, questioning whether this sentiment will shift before the November polls.