Multnomah County passes resolution for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Editor's note: A previous version of this story included information on the resolution that was published in the agenda, which was amended before being adopted.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Multnomah County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

In addition to calling for an immediate ceasefire, the resolution demands the return of hostages, and the safe passage and access to humanitarian organizations providing food, shelter, clothing, and medical aid in Gaza.

However, the resolution that passed on Thursday was amended from what was published on the agenda, eliminating language such as a call for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

The resolution follows the Oct. 7 attack when Hamas launched rockets into Israel and militants charged the blockaded Gaza Strip, storming neighboring Israeli towns amid a Jewish holiday while gunning down victims and collecting hostages.

The resolution notes the county’s responsibility to take action against anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab sentiment, along with antisemitism, and Islamophobia.

“We are heartbroken over the deaths, suffering, and captivity of innocent civilians. All human life is precious and the intentional targeting of civilians in armed conflict is a violation of international humanitarian law. We stand firmly against all acts of racially motivated violence and hate crimes perpetrated against our Muslim, Jewish, Palestinian, and Arab constituents here in Multnomah County and across our nation,” the resolution says.

During Thursday's board meeting, Commissioner Lori Stegmann said if there is no ceasefire and if humanitarian aid is delayed, hundreds of thousands of lives would be at risk in Israel and Palestine.

The resolution now heads to Oregon Senators Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley, along with Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and President Joe Biden.

Merkley became the second member of the U.S. Senate to call for a ceasefire in November 2023.