Richmond, California Becomes First City in US to Officially Support Palestinians

The Richmond City Council in California voted early Wednesday to express support for the Palestinian people in Gaza. The resolution accuses Israel of “ethnic cleansing and collective punishment” in the aftermath of the conflict that began on October 7. This move is believed to be the first instance of a U.S. city officially backing the Palestinians since the recent hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

The initial attack led to approximately 1,400 casualties in Israel, and over 200 Israeli and foreign nationals are reportedly being held captive in Gaza. Since then, around 7,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza due to escalating Israeli airstrikes, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is overseen by Hamas.

The resolution, passed by Richmond City in the San Francisco Bay Area, was approved with a 5-1 vote after a five-hour public hearing that began on Tuesday evening and concluded around 1 a.m. Wednesday. It calls for a cease-fire and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The resolution contends that Israel is engaging in collective punishment against the Palestinians in Gaza in response to Hamas attacks on Israel. It also emphasizes Richmond’s support for the local Jewish community and acknowledges the atrocities committed by Nazis during the Holocaust.

During the hearing, disruptions occurred as Mayor Eduardo Martinez opened the session, with individuals in the audience shouting and making various comments, including the term “Nazi.” This disorder led to a temporary recess in the proceedings.

Source:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-25/california-city-first-in-nation-to-support-palestinians-in-gaza-with-resolution-accusing-israel-of-ethnic-cleansing