Amid boos and ovations, Cincinnati City Council votes on a Gaza resolution

After weeks of being pressed to take a stand on calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday considered two resolutions related to the conflict – ultimately supporting a version that aligns with President Joe Biden's policy.

The crowd booed, cheered, offered standing ovations and at one point, shouted at a councilwoman Anna Albi: "Shame. You're complicit in genocide." But after it all was said and done, groups on both sides of the issue praised council.

Albi crafted the resolution that passed with seven votes, calling for a six-week ceasefire.

A resolution calling for an open-ended ceasefire, sponsored by Councilwoman Meeka Owens, failed on a 4-3 vote. (It needed 5 to pass.)

How they voted

Mayor Aftab Pureval did not comment on either resolution.

How the council members, all Democrats, voted on the two resolutions:

• For Albi's resolution: Albi, Owens, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Seth Walsh, Mark Jeffreys, Victoria Parks and Reggie Harris.

• Against Albi's resolution: Scotty Johnson

• For Owens' resolution: Owens, Kearney, Johnson and Parks.

• Against Owens' resolution. Walsh, Jeffreys and Harris. (Albi abstained.)

Councilman Jeff Cramerding abstained on both, declaring he would no longer vote on any resolution relating to international issues that do not directly affect Cincinnati. This too drew boos. He said he supports a ceasefire, but "this ongoing debate is a distraction from our duty."

Hundreds of citizens have spoken for hours during council's public comment sessions over the last month, urging council members to call for a ceasefire or expressing concern that a ceasefire resolution would widen the division over the international conflict.

Mayor Aftab Pureval said two weeks ago the city wouldn't take a stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, saying such a move would only "divide and inflame" the city.

What the resolutions say

Owens' resolution: "Expressing the request of the council of the city of Cincinnati for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel/Hamas War so that humanitarian aid can reach Gazans, Israeli hostages can be released, and additional innocent lives can be spared."

Albi's resolution: Albi brought forward the other resolution, which condemned violence and supported negotiators in Cairo advocating for a deal that would include a six-week ceasefire. Four other council members have signed that resolution: Mark Jeffreys, Seth Walsh, Reggie Harris and Victoria Parks.

It says: "Expressing Cincinnati City Council's sympathy for the ongoing human suffering caused by the current conflict in the Middle East; condemning violence against civilians of any kind; affirming Cincinnati's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic religions, and all other religions; supporting the right of Palestinian and Israeli civilians to live in safety and peace; and encouraging Cincinnati residents to offer support and sincere empathy to members of our community affected by the ongoing violence and loss of life."

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a series of attacks in Israel, firing thousands of rockets and storming communities near the Gaza Strip.

At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds more were kidnapped. Israel has responded by invading and bombing the densely populated Palestinian enclave, killing tens of thousands of civilians, many women and children.

The U.S. has been working to negotiate a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that would pause fighting in Gaza. Israel has essentially agreed to a six-week ceasefire that would include the release of hostages, but Hamas has not agreed, according to reporting from USA Today.

More than 40 people spoke out during public comment Wednesday, most in support of Owens' ceasefire resolution. But the Jewish Community has been involved with the crafting of such resolutions since January.

Dozens of cities have passed resolutions calling for a cease-fire, among them Chicago, Detroit and Akron.

After the votes: Praise for council from both sides of issue

When her resolution came up for a vote, Albi said, “While none of us in this room have the power to shape the details of this ceasefire, I think it is important for us to show our full support of these peace negotiations. I understand these negotiations are just the first step − and we should all hope and pray that Israel and Hamas will be able to find common ground for a permanent & lasting peace.”

After the votes, the Coalition for Gaza, a diverse interfaith group of Jews, Christians, Muslims and other faith groups, The Greater Islamic Center of Cincinnati and the Jewish Federation all praised city council for its work on the issue.

A statement issued by Lisa Beshara Saia of the Coalition for Gaza and Shakila Ahmad of the Greater Islamic Center of Cincinnati, said: "This is an important step towards standing up for humanity." And it noted that community members of all faiths took time to share their point of view. "Their commitment to this effort with letters, presence, support and statements over the past six weeks is a testament to the diversity within our city which stands behind the unifying call for Justice," the statement said.

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, along with its public affairs arm, the Jewish Community Relations Council, endorsed Albi's ceasefire resolution in a statement issued after the council votes.

"This resolution's wording unites rather than divides us," the statement said. "It reflects the Jewish community's aspiration −shared by numerous Cincinnati residents − that considerate and steadfast negotiation will lead to peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

The resolution, the statement said, guides the community toward a shared goal.

"These actions symbolize our hope to mend relations between our Jewish and Muslim communities in Cincinnati, advancing us toward lasting peace that benefits all, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Cincinnatians alike," the statement said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gaza ceasefire: Cincinnati Council considers two resolutions