Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said he would issue “Dallas' formal condemnation” of the recently launched attacks on Israel. According to an email newsletter sent out by the mayor's office.
The resolution, which is scheduled to be considered at Wednesday's board meeting, comes after government officials and media outlets say it is an unexpected attack on Israel.
On Saturday, the Gaza-based militant group Hamas fired a missile into Israel, killing hundreds of Israeli citizens. The next day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war and launched Operation Iron Sword.
Now, Dallas' elected officials are scheduled to vote on a resolution that could solidify the city's position on this controversial issue.
“…The City of Dallas unequivocally condemns Hamas for this deplorable and baseless attack on Israel,” the resolution reads. “The City of Dallas stands with Israel in its fight against Hamas, prays for those who have lost family and friends, calls for the speedy return of all hostages, and hopes for a lasting solution.”
Media reports of militants holding civilians hostage are circulating online, as is a stepped-up military response launched by Israel.
“This is the most serious attack on Israel since the Yom Kippur War,” the resolution said. This conflict began on her October 6, 1973. He is 50 years from the day Hamas launched its attack.
The resolution's background text reads: “As an international city…Dallas wants to send a clear message regarding Hamas' illegal attacks on Israel…Dallas stands with Israel in its quest for peace and an end to this war.” ing.
KERA reached out to the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Palestine Advocacy Legal Assistance Project at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law to find out what the proposed resolution would mean for the local and national Palestinian community. We asked for comment on whether this may have an impact. — but did not receive a response before this article was published.
City Council frequently passes resolutions aimed at reaffirming the city's position on issues. But in one incident earlier this year, council members noted that the resolution dealt with an issue on which the City Council “couldn't do anything.” The resolution opposed the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ruling that there is no constitutional right to abortion.
The resolution scheduled to be debated on Wednesday centers on Israeli military action and a “lasting resolution.” There is no mention of the city's Muslim or Palestinian communities.
If passed, copies of the resolution would be sent to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the American Jewish Committee, and the U.S. State Department.
“Please consider for a moment the hundreds of lives lost in these brazen acts that have shaken the sense of security of Israelis,” Johnson said in a newsletter.
The attack marks the latest chapter in a decades-long struggle in the region. According to the Associated Press, fighting continues to this day, with more than 1,000 people killed on both sides, some injured and others missing.
The Dallas City Council is scheduled to vote on the resolution at Wednesday's City Council meeting.
Any tips?Email Nathan Collins ncollins@kera.org. You can follow Nathan on Twitter @nathannotforyou.
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