San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday threw its weight behind a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the volatile Gaza Strip. In a show of solidarity with numerous other California cities and municipalities, the board voted 8-3 in favor of the resolution. The mandate calls for a sustained cease-fire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, the release of hostages, and a strong condemnation of antisemitic, anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic rhetoric and attacks.
Key Takeaways:
– San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors votes 8-3 in favor of a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
– The resolution further calls for humanitarian support, release of hostages, and condemnation of antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic rhetoric and assaults.
– Supervisors Matt Dorsey, Rafael Mandelman, and Catherine Stefani voted against the resolution, expressing concern over its failure to condemn Hamas’s attacks.
– San Francisco follows Richmond and Oakland as Northern California cities passing similar resolutions.
Who Voted For and Against
The board President Aaron Peskin and Supervisors Connie Chan, Joel Engardio, Myrna Melgar, Dean Preston, Hillary Ronen, Ahsha Safai, and Shamann Walton were the ones who voted in favor. Meanwhile, Supervisors Matt Dorsey, Rafael Mandelman, and Catherine Stefani opposed the resolution.
Point of Contention
Supervisor Dorsey explained his opposition, stating that the resolution failed to condemn Hamas’s October 7 attack. Stefani also voiced similar concerns, stating that she couldn’t support a cease-fire without calling for an end to Hamas and a safe return of all hostages.
Public Contribution and Response
The resolution generated significant public interest, with nearly 200 people speaking at Monday’s Rules Committee meeting and almost 400 attending in person. Most speakers voiced their support for the cease-fire action. The crowd erupted in applause once the board voted in favor of the resolution.
The Broader Picture
San Francisco’s stance aligns it with fellow Northern California cities Richmond and Oakland. On October 25, Richmond is believed to have been the first US city to call for a cessation of fighting. Subsequently, Oakland followed suit on November 27. At the same time, Cudahy was the first Southern California city to make a similar call on November 7.
The Toll of Conflict and The Urgency of Cease-Fire
The resolution also shed light on the harsh realities of the Gaza conflict. About 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced, and hundreds of thousands more are feared to be at imminent risk. Furthermore, an estimated 137 Israelis are held hostage by the militant group Hamas. The board also criticized significant US military funding to Israel and urged the Biden Administration and Congress to push for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid.
Moving Forward
San Francisco’s resolution emphasized the shared responsibility of all actors involved in the conflict. Moreover, board members expressed hope that this resolution could influence other cities and, perhaps, national activities in handling the crisis. With the cease-fire resolution, supervisor Ronen expressed her belief that San Francisco demonstrated its principled stance.
In summary, the Board’s resolution marks a crucial step in the city’s quest for peace and the human rights of all parties involved in the Gaza conflict. As more cities join the call, the hope remains for fair resolution and lasting peace in the Gaza Strip.