We, the undersigned residents of Kansas City, express our deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the escalations of Zionist settler and state violence in the West Bank, and the staggering number of Palestinians killed, as well as the forcible displacement and ethnic cleansing of families. We believe it is our moral duty to advocate for a just resolution under international law to the current situation.

Between October 7, 2023 and April 22, 2024, more than 34,151 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israel, the majority of whom were women and children, and more than 77,084 Palestinians have been injured, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Over 90% of the population of Gaza has been forcibly displaced and over 81% of households lack access to safe and clean water according to UNICEF. The humanitarian impact on the Palestinian civilian population is severe, and we feel compelled to raise our voices against the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians as well as apartheid and colonization of Palestine at the hands of Israel.

We respectfully urge the Kansas City City Council to take a stand for peace and justice by passing a ceasefire resolution. Such a resolution would send a clear message that our community stands united in advocating for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilian lives, immediate and uninhibited facilitation of humanitarian aid through all points of entry, and the pursuit of the restoration of internationally recognized refugee rights of return to Palestine and self-determination for Palestinians. 

By adopting a ceasefire resolution, Kansas City can join other cities across the nation in calling for an end to the colonization of Palestine and fostering a climate conducive to addressing the root cause of violence, policies of apartheid and the prevention of realization of rights for Palestinians. We believe that our city has the potential to influence positive change on the international stage, and by taking this step, we demonstrate our commitment to the values of compassion, empathy, and justice.

We kindly request your support and leadership in bringing this resolution to the attention of the Kansas City City Council for consideration and adoption. We believe that, as representatives of our community, you have the power to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by colonial violence and deprived of liberties by apartheid regimes in Palestine.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope that our city can be a beacon of peace and compassion, contributing to the collective efforts towards a just and lasting resolution to the deliberate creation of a humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

Sincerely,

Concerned Kansas Citian