Inspired by cities like Cudahy and Montebello, Bell Gardens councilors unanimously approved a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza to save lives.
It was the vice mayor of Bell Gardens, Marco Barcena, an immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, who promoted the measure, which was approved in favor by the five councilors who are part of the Council of Bell Gardens, a small city in southeastern Los Angeles County. , inhabited mostly by Latinos.
“We proposed this resolution due to the urgent need to stop the human losses, since there are more than 30,000 deaths in Gaza caused by the Israeli army,” said Vice Mayor Barcena.
“We are facing a humanitarian crisis that is being investigated as a possible genocide.”
He commented that because the Israel-Gaza conflict is very controversial, he did not know what to expect on voting day, and what his colleagues’ votes would be like.
“People are not aware or do not know the reality of this injustice. It is not easy to get the votes. But technology has made it possible to raise awareness about the deaths of women and children in Gaza.”
He said he’s proud to have played a role in developing and passing the ceasefire resolution, but he said he didn’t do it alone.
“Rida Hamida, founder of Latin Muslim Unity also led this cause, along with the support of dozens of residents, families, volunteers, activists and organizers who helped secure support for this resolution by attending the council meeting and submitting public comments.”
He added that the resolution is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the community that came together for peace and unity.
“The message is very simple, we want them to stop killing other human beings and to stop dialogue to resolve this conflict.”
The Israel-Gaza conflict began after the Hamas terrorist group attacked Israel last October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages, many of whom remain kidnapped.
In response, war broke out. According to the United Nations website, to date, more than 31,184 Palestinians have been killed and 72,889 have been injured, according to local health authorities.
Meanwhile as of March 12, 247 Israeli soldiers had been killed in Gaza and 1,475 had been wounded since the start of the ground operation, Israeli army data shows.
In California, Richmond was the first city in the United States to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire last October.
In November, the Cudahy City Council in southeast Los Angeles passed a resolution in support of the Palestinian people of Gaza and Congresswoman Cori Bush’s motion calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. .
The resolution was approved by three votes in favor, one councilor abstained and another was absent.
In January, San Francisco supervisors passed a resolution calling for an extension of the ceasefire and condemning both Hamas and the Israeli government.
They also urged the Biden administration to press for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas in the surprise attack on October 7 and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the displaced civilian population in Gaza.
On January 24, the Montebello City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The measure was presented by Councilman David Torres.
“Montebello’s resolution tonight is to indicate to our state and Congressional representatives that they have the support of Montebello in seeking an end to the fighting in Gaza,” said Councilman Torres upon approval of the action.
Other cities that have approved these measures in Southern California are Long Beach and Pomona.