Approved 3/17/2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) and its platform specifically seek to advance peace, justice, and freedom for the benefit and welfare of those both in Oregon and around the world; and
WHEREAS, every country has a right to defend itself; thus, Israel has a right to hold Hamas accountable for the terrorist attack on civilians in Israel on October 7, 2023; and
WHEREAS, targeting civilians, no matter their faith, culture, or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law, and civilian casualties are tragic and intolerable; and
WHEREAS, the Palestinian people have a right to be free from Hamas and also to have a free and independent state, self-governed by duly elected leaders selected through free and fair elections; and
WHEREAS, a terrible tragedy is unfolding in Palestine, as civilians caught between Israeli and Hamas forces have been bombed, displaced from their homes, and have had their infrastructure, institutions, and cultural heritage sites destroyed; and
WHEREAS, humanitarian efforts to aid affected civilians in Palestine have been paralyzed by the ongoing war, including Hamas terrorists seizing the aid and also aid trucks facing restricted access to the region, resulting in severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid, contributing to the ongoing misery and suffering of innocents; and
WHEREAS, this conflict has had a devastating and divisive impact on Jewish and Palestinian communities both in the Middle East and elsewhere, including here in Oregon, and has fueled increasing Islamophobia and antisemitism; and
WHEREAS, the United States, as a long-standing ally and supporter of Israel, has the opportunity to influence the actions of Israel’s government, and we also recognize that all warring parties must agree to the terms of a ceasefire in order to build durable peace; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that sustainable peace must include fairness, justice and equity; and
WHEREAS, entire familial lines have been erased, families have been suffering as their loved ones are kept as hostages, and millions of lives continue to be at imminent risk if a ceasefire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and
WHEREAS, we are heartbroken and outraged over the deaths, suffering, and captivity of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians and all others caught up in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release and return of all hostages and administrative detainees.
Section 2. We support President Biden and his administration using all means necessary to influence Israel’s actions, including requiring “credible and reliable written assurances” of their adherence to international human rights law or risk losing aid.
Section 3. We support President Biden, his administration, the United States Congress, and the United Nations in demanding the free access of humanitarian aid organizations to provide medical aid, food, water, clothing, shelter, fuel, and heating oil to Palestinian civilians, with meaningful safeguards to ensure that Hamas terrorists are not stealing or redirecting aid.
Section 4. We call on the United States Congress and the United Nations to officially recognize a Palestinian state and to commit international support to facilitate a fair and equitable path toward rebuilding Palestine and Israel.
Section 5. We affirm our commitment to doing all we can to help facilitate the conditions for Israel and Palestine to live side-by-side in peace and safety.
Resolution submitted by Marcia Schneider, Multnomah County; Kelie McWilliams, Polk County; Morgan Buck, Clackamas County; Victoria Ernst, Yamhill County; Dannelle Stevens, Multnomah County: Michael Smith, Gun Owners Caucus
ADOPTED by the Democratic Party of Oregon on 17th day of March, 2024.
