In a dramatic 23-23 split decision, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution yesterday calling for an immediate ceasefire to end Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Mayor Brandon Johnson was forced to break the tie, voting in favour to secure the resolution’s passage, as crowds erupted in loud cheers.
The vote followed months’ long debate and what was described as a tense meeting where spectators were cleared out, and rising death toll in Gaza. Palestinians killed by Israeli occupation forces since 7 October is nearing 27,000. Most are women and children.
The vote makes Chicago the largest US city advocating for a truce amid growing national protests over Israel’s deadly assault on the besieged enclave. Around 70 municipalities have adopted ceasefire resolutions, including Detroit, San Francisco and Atlanta. But Chicago holds special significance as it is the largest US city to call for a ceasefire and being home to the country’s largest Palestinian and Jewish populations.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson signalled the issue’s urgency by appearing ahead of Wednesday’s tense Council session.
Images from the day shared on X showed public high school students gathered at the Chicago City Hall chanting “Biden Biden you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!” Students are demanding the City Council vote “YES” on a ceasefire resolution.
BREAKING: Public high school students are occupying Chicago City Hall chanting “Biden Biden you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!”
Students are demanding the city council vote YES on a ceasefire resolution. pic.twitter.com/f0MrDjn45C
— BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) January 30, 2024
A massive celebration erupted in the lobby of Chicago City Hall after the ceasefire resolution passed.
Supporters of the resolution say calling for a ceasefire is the least that should be done by elected officials. “What are we doing if we’re not actually saying the things that need to be said, particularly in the face of a genocide?” Chicago Alderperson, Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez, a co-sponsor of the resolution, told POLITICO before the vote. “What we’re doing today is an important exercise.”
The resolution, coming from a Democratic stronghold, is seen as sending an important message to President Joe Biden ahead of the November election. They have implored him to pivot on the issue. His strong backing of Israel’s deadly assault on the Palestinians in Gaza has alienated large sections of his base. American Muslims and many progressives have vowed that they will not vote for a US President who backs genocide.
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