The decision came down to a single vote, cast by Mayor Brandon Johnson, as the council reached an impasse with 23 votes in favor and 23 votes against.
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Protesters walk away from Accenture Tower after a rally held in solidarity with Palestinians, in Chicago on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (AP)
A resolution in support of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and calling for the immediate release of all captives, was approved by the Chicago City Council. This decision came on Wednesday, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson breaking a 23-23 tie with his vote.
The resolution advocates for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the prompt and unconditional release of all captives, and the provision of humanitarian aid to the enclave. Additionally, it incorporates a clause to distribute copies of the text to US President Joe Biden and the Illinois congressional delegation.
While people in Gaza suffer from hunger due to Israeli bombing and blockade, Joe Biden was seen loading packages with fresh fruit and milk for a hunger relief organization in Philadelphia.
The Israeli-imposed siege has left all one million children in Gaza without enough to eat,… pic.twitter.com/qJKxLkgva8
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 15, 2024
The Consulate General of “Israel” to the Midwest, based in Chicago, expressed criticism of the resolution, stating, “While this resolution will have no impact on the Middle East, it will create more division among communities in Chicago and inspire more antisemitism.”
BREAKING| Chicago becomes the largest American city to call for a ceasefire after passing a city council resolution. pic.twitter.com/yG4X7aZckr
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) January 31, 2024
Calls for ceasefire still increasing
Earlier this week, Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent in Washington reported an increasing demand within the United States for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Our correspondent affirmed that voices within the US Democratic Party have expressed their refusal to escalate the ongoing struggle and have instead called for addressing the fundamental issue, which is the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, around 50 cities in the United States have ratified resolutions asking for a ceasefire in Gaza, with at least 14 passing in key swing states like Michigan, piling up more pressure on President Joe Biden, Sky News reported.
Approximately 70 resolutions on the war on Gaza have been voted on, with the majority urging for an end to the bombardment.
