Birmingham Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Reflections on Local Violence

After condemning local violence and a recent homicide spree, the Birmingham City Council voted to condemn violence in the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The council passed a resolution supporting an end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

“The City of Birmingham is renowned as the birthplace of nonviolent human rights campaigns during the Civil Rights Movement and remains a beacon for upholding human rights worldwide,” the resolution stated.

“The Birmingham City Council strongly urges the swift and secure exchanges of all hostages and calls on the Biden Administration to advocate for a sustained, bilateral cessation of hostilities and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza as required.”

Birmingham joins over 100 U.S. cities in calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza.

“I’m glad we could bring this resolution forward to support some of our community members who find it essential that we make this gesture for peace,” said Council member Carol Clarke. “I personally stand for peace anywhere and anytime, especially after this weekend. For us to make this stand is important – local peace, world peace, any peace we can advocate for is a worthy cause.”

The council's Gaza resolution follows months of lobbying by pro-Palestinian groups, who rallied in large numbers on May 14 to urge the city to pass such a statement.