According to Reuters today, a data analysis of US cities revealed that about 70 American cities have issued resolutions regarding the Israeli war on Gaza, with most calling for a ceasefire. This puts additional pressure on President Joe Biden to help end the fighting before the upcoming elections scheduled for November.
The agency pointed out that at least 48 cities have issued symbolic resolutions calling for an end to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, while 6 other cities have issued broader peace resolutions. Additionally, 20 resolutions have denounced the attack by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Israel on October 7.
Most of the ceasefire resolutions were passed in Democratic states such as California, with at least 14 resolutions issued in swing states such as Michigan, which could determine Biden’s re-election attempt against former Republican President Donald Trump
Reuters’ analysis showed that Chicago, the largest city, has called for a ceasefire, as have other cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Carboro in North Carolina, and Wilmington in Delaware.
Voter Frustration
Gabriela Santiago Romero, a member of the Detroit City Council who voted for the ceasefire resolution in Michigan, said that voting for the Gaza ceasefire reflects the frustration of young and non-white voters towards Biden and other Democratic leaders. She added that young voters want a leadership willing to listen to them, emphasizing the Democrats’ need to listen to their demands and invest in diversity.
Douglas Wilson, a Democratic strategist in the swing state of North Carolina, stated that the war will be on the minds of voters, especially with Muslim and Jewish voters who can decide elections in some states.
US support for Israel throughout the war has sharply divided Americans, amid ongoing protests and lawsuits against the Biden administration. An analysis by Reuters showed support for a ceasefire from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
