California city passes resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire, rejects motion to condemn Hamas

Oakland’s City Council passes a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war after hours of hearing impassioned rhetoric about the deaths of thousands in Gaza.

The council in the California Bay Area city votes 8-0 in favor of a motion supporting a congressional resolution for a permanent ceasefire, along with the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and a restoration of basic services, as well as “respect for international law” and the release of all hostages.

Before the vote, the council voted 6-2 to reject proposed amendments by member Dan Kalb that specifically condemned killings and hostage-taking by Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attacks in Israel prompted the war that has devastated Gaza.

US cities have been adopting resolutions regarding the conflict even though they have no legal role or formal say in the process.