HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 26

RECOGNIZING THE GENOCIDE AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA AND CALLING ON THE BIDEN ADMINSTRATION AND FEDERAL DELEGATION FROM DELAWARE TO SUPPORT A PERMANENT AND LASTING CEASEFIRE.

WHEREAS, we are united in grieving the unjust killing of over 1,200 Israelis on October 7, and 23,000 Palestinians since October, 70% of whom were women and children; and

WHEREAS, indiscriminate bombing has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, destroyed half of the housing in Gaza, and created a humanitarian crisis for over 2 million Gazan civilians who are without shelter, food, water, electricity, and healthcare, and

WHEREAS, more than 200 healthcare workers and 79 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October, and

WHEREAS, South Africa has filed a case against Israel which will be heard in the International Court of Justice next week. This case has countless examples of actions and statements from Israeli officials expressing genocidal intent against the Palestinian people, and

WHEREAS, House Resolution 786 - Calling for an immediate deescalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on October 25, 2023, by House Representative Cori Bush of Missouri on behalf of herself and 17 cosponsors. House Resolution 786 reaffirms that “all human life is precious” and expresses concern for the thousands of people whose health and safety are at risk unless a ceasefire is reached and humanitarian assistance is made available in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, House Resolution 786 urges the Biden administration to use its diplomatic power to advocate for and facilitate deescalation and a ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine and further calls on the Biden administration to furnish humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Members of Congress have further voiced concern for the provision of funding or other resources that will prolong this devastating conflict or contribute to further loss of lives; and

WHEREAS, at least 64 members of Congress have called for an immediate ceasefire or cessation of hostilities in Israel and occupied Palestine, and

WHEREAS, polling shows that 65% of Americans support a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and

WHEREAS, the United States sends $3.3 billion dollars annually to Israel in military aid, and the majority of Americans do not want to see their tax dollars spent to fund a genocide when those resources could be better spent on priorities like housing and healthcare here at home; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as ensuring humanitarian access on December 13, 2023.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly that the House of Representatives calls upon our federal delegation, President Biden, and the President’s administration to work towards a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, including the release of all hostages and prisoners of war by both sides, delivery of immediate and sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza, and diplomatic action to facilitate long-term peace in the region.

SYNOPSIS

This House Resolution calls upon Delaware’s federal delegation, President Biden, and the President’s administration to work towards a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, including the release of all hostages and prisoners of war by both sides, delivery of immediate and sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza, and diplomatic action to facilitate long-term peace in the region.