The November 4, 2024, Common Council meeting in Middletown, NY, focused on urgent calls for action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Several residents expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and the impact of U.S. military funding on the situation.

During the meeting, speakers highlighted the tragic loss of life, particularly among infants, with one resident reading a list of names of children under one year old who have perished in Gaza. This emotional appeal aimed to underscore the human cost of the conflict and the role of U.S. taxpayer dollars in supporting military actions.

Sarah, a local educator and parent, shared personal stories from friends in Gaza, detailing their desperate living conditions and the fear they face daily. She urged the council to support an arms embargo and to reconsider how city tax dollars are allocated, advocating for a shift away from funding that contributes to violence.

Another resident, Camilla, expressed her pride in Middletown while calling for a ceasefire resolution. She emphasized the importance of local government action in promoting peace and ensuring that taxpayer money does not support violence abroad.

Mohammed, a SUNY Orange student and Palestinian American, provided historical context to the current crisis, linking it to decades of conflict and suffering. He stressed that the situation in Gaza is not merely a recent development but part of a long-standing struggle for basic human rights.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for the council to take a stand for peace, with residents urging their representatives to pass resolutions that would advocate for a ceasefire and an end to military support that exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. The discussions reflect a growing concern among Middletown residents about the implications of U.S. foreign policy and the need for local action in response to global issues.