During a recent city council meeting, a resident and member of the Muslim Action Committee presented alarming statistics regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the rising death toll and calling for immediate action from local government. The speaker cited a study published in The Lancet, which suggested that the actual death toll in Gaza may exceed 186,000, with 8% of the Palestinian population reportedly killed.

The official figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health were noted to have increased from 38,430 to 38,764 in just one week, indicating a grim reality where 334 Palestinians lost their lives due to violence attributed to American-supplied weaponry. The speaker characterized the situation as ethnic cleansing and called for the city to divest from funds that support military aid to Israel, urging the council to pass a resolution advocating for a permanent ceasefire and reinstatement of UNWRA funding.

The resident also highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly children, referencing a recent bombing during a soccer match for displaced children that resulted in numerous casualties. The speaker expressed concern over the lack of media coverage and the dangers faced by journalists in the region, noting that 108 journalists have been killed since October 7, with several specific cases detailed.

The call to action was clear: the community must take a stand against what was described as genocide and support measures that would halt military aid and promote peace. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the role of local governments in influencing broader policy decisions.