Birmingham City Councilor Carol Clarke spoke in favor of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza that was passed Tuesday by the council. (Source: Birmingham City Council livestream)The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.The 141-square-mile territory has experienced historic levels of civilian deaths since Israel began a military offensive in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 38,700 people have died in the action.Tuesday’s resolution states that the council stands united “with a growing number of U.S. cities in an earnest plea for immediate cessation of hostilities encompassing all parties involved in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.”“I’m really delighted we could bring this resolution forward in support of some of our community members who find it really important that we make this gesture for peace,” Councilor Carol Clarke said.The measure passed with Councilor Crystal Smitherman abstaining and the remaining council members voting yes. Councilors LaTonya Tate and Wardine Alexander were not present during the vote.The council had for months considered the ceasefire resolution, while many community members urged them to pass the measure.Throughout the year, nearly every council meeting has ended with comments from residents calling for the resolution, many of them clad in white keffiyehs, scarfs that often signify support for the people of Palestine.One such supporter came before the council Tuesday ready to make her usual plea when members told her the measure had passed. The supporter, who said her group hadn’t been notified, said “Thank you for it. Thank you for being in support of it. Thank you kindly.”While some question the efficacy of a local resolution calling for a ceasefire to a conflict across the globe, proponents say that more than 100 cities have passed similar proclamations, which have brought awareness to the bloodshed and at times influenced public opinion about the violence.Outside of the council chambers, Palestinian supporters have also spread their message through Free Palestine rallies and events.The nonviolent rallies have been held since October in places across the city, including Avondale Park, Railroad Park, Five Points South and City Hall. They have been sponsored by multiple organizations — including a coalition of groups that include members of the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter and Young Palestinians of Birmingham, as well as the Young Democratic Socialists chapter at UAB.In other business, the council accepted a bid from Southeastern Sealcoating Inc. of $1,037,822 for alley resurfacing citywide for 2024. The firm had the lowest of five bids for the project. According to city staff, the funds for the project will come from the city’s operating budget, with a portion originating from state gas tax revenue.The post Birmingham City Council Passes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution appeared first on BirminghamWatch.First published by BirminghamWatch.