November 28, 2023.
Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal terrorist attack from Gaza into Israel and against the Israeli people;
Whereas, on October 16, 2023, the Israeli military confirmed that Hamas killed more than 1,400 people in the attack;
Whereas, on October 15, 2023, the United States Department of State confirmed that at least 30 Americans were killed in the attack;
Whereas, on October 16, 2023, the Israeli military confirmed that Hamas was holding 199 hostages in Gaza who were abducted during the attack;
Whereas Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions states that the taking of hostages is and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever;
Whereas, on October 10, 2023, President Joe Biden confirmed that Americans are known to be among the hostages;
Whereas it is reported that children and senior citizens are among the hostages; and
Whereas Hamas has threatened to execute hostages and videotape the killings: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
(1) condemns Hamas for its brutal attack on Israel;
(2) condemns Hamas for the taking of hostages;
(3) condemns Hamas for threats made against hostages;
(4) demands that Hamas immediately release all hostages and return them to safety;
(5) recognizes that the taking of hostages is a violation of international humanitarian law; and
(6) expresses sympathy to the hostages, wounded, deceased, and their families for this travesty to justice and personal hardship.
Attest:
Clerk.