Cincinnati City Council set to vote on Gaza conflict

After weeks of being pressed to take a stand on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday will consider two resolutions related to the conflict in the Middle East.

Hundreds of citizens have spoken during council's public comment sessions over the last month urging council members to call for a ceasefire or expressing concern that a ceasefire resolution would widen the division over the international conflict.

Mayor Aftab Pureval said two weeks ago the city won't be taking a stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, saying such a move would only "divide and inflame" the city. But he put both resolutions forward for a vote, according to the Wednesday council meeting agenda. Pureval has said he would not withhold agenda items, even if he disagrees with them.

Both resolutions call for a ceasefire.

Councilwoman Meeka Owens brought forward a resolution which says: "Expressing the request of the council of the city of Cincinnati for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel/Hamas War so that humanitarian aid can reach Gazans, Israeli hostages can be released, and additional innocent lives can be spared."

Councilwoman Anna Albi brought forward the other resolution, which condemns violence and supports negotiators in Cairo advocating for a deal that would include a six-week ceasefire. Four other council members have signed that resolution: Mark Jeffreys, Seth Walsh, Reggie Harris and Victoria Parks.

It says: "Expressing Cincinnati City Council's sympathy for the ongoing human suffering caused by the current conflict in the Middle East; condemning violence against civilians of any kind; affirming Cincinnati's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic religions, and all other religions; supporting the right of Palestinian and Israeli civilians to live in safety and peace; and encouraging Cincinnati residents to offer support and sincere empathy to members of our community affected by the ongoing violence and loss of life."

And it goes on to support the six-week ceasefire.

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Councilmembers Scotty Johnson and Jeff Cramerding did not sign either motion.

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a series of attacks in Israel, firing thousands of rockets and storming communities near the Gaza Strip.

At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds more were kidnapped. Israel has responded by invading and bombing the densely populated Palestinian enclave, killing tens of thousands of civilians, many women and children.

The U.S. has been working to negotiate a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that would pause fighting in Gaza. Israel has essentially agreed to a six-week ceasefire that would include the release of hostages, but Hamas has not agreed, according to reporting from USA Today.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gaza ceasefire: Cincinnati Council considers two resolutions