In a charged atmosphere at the Daly City City Council meeting on May 13, 2024, community members passionately voiced their calls for a ceasefire resolution regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The meeting, marked by emotional testimonies and heated exchanges, highlighted the deep divisions within the community over the issue.

As residents gathered under the fluorescent lights of city hall, the urgency of their pleas echoed through the room. Amina, one of the speakers, implored the council to recognize the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are here to stand against the genocide that is taking place.” She emphasized the staggering death toll, asserting that the number of casualties far exceeded official estimates, and called for immediate action to halt the violence.

Reno, another resident, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration that the resolution was “seven months too late.” He urged the council to acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinian community and to advocate for peace. “Every single day that we wake up is still the worst day ever,” he lamented, highlighting the ongoing trauma faced by families in the region.

The meeting also saw voices from diverse backgrounds, including Janelle, a member of a grassroots organization advocating for women's rights, who drew parallels between the struggles of Palestinian mothers and those of women in the Philippines. She called for solidarity and urged the council to vote in favor of the ceasefire resolution, framing it as a necessary step toward justice and peace.

However, not all voices in the room supported the resolution. Some attendees expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures, arguing that the council should not engage in what they perceived as political favoritism. One speaker cautioned against a one-sided narrative, insisting that peace could only be achieved through a comprehensive approach that included addressing the role of Hamas.

As the meeting progressed, the tension escalated, with speakers passionately defending their positions. Some argued that the resolution was a vital statement against violence, while others warned of the potential for it to incite further division within the community.

The council is set to revisit the ceasefire resolution in two weeks, leaving residents on both sides of the debate anxious about the outcome. The discussions at this meeting reflect a broader national conversation about the conflict, underscoring the complexities and emotional weight of the issues at hand. As Daly City grapples with these challenges, the voices of its residents continue to resonate, calling for action, understanding, and ultimately, peace.