During the public-comment period, Kimaro Watenza of 1200 West Grand Avenue addressed the commission and raised questions about the commission’s stance on the Israel–Gaza conflict.

Watenza said U.S. companies historically did business with Nazi Germany and compared modern Israeli military actions in Gaza to Nazi-era atrocities. “As we speak, Israel is emulating Nazi Germany and its genocide of the Palestinian people,” Watenza said. He asked city leaders, including Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims Jr. and commissioners, “How long will the Dayton City Commission support Israel in its present day genocide?”

Commissioners responded in the meeting's closing remarks. Commissioner Gelsa noted the commission had unanimously passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and said Dayton has sister-city relationships with municipalities in both Israel and Palestine that support dialogue. “We are firmly on the side of peace,” Gelsa said, and urged verification of sources for public statements.

The mayor and other commissioners acknowledged the comment and noted the commission’s earlier actions supporting dialogue and a ceasefire; no additional formal action or vote was taken in response to the public comment during the meeting.