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Daly City Council adopts resolution urging U.S. support for bilateral ceasefire, humanitarian access to Gaza
Summary
After lengthy public comment and council debate, Daly City Council on June 3 unanimously approved (4–0) an amended resolution urging immediate bilateral ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. Councilors removed one clause referencing an ICJ finding and aligned the resolution with the Biden administration three‑step framework.
Daly City — The Daly City Council voted 4–0 on June 3 to adopt an amended resolution calling on federal leaders to support an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.
Vice Mayor Das Maguwal, who co‑chaired the ad hoc committee that drafted the measure, urged the council to act after months of community meetings and public testimony. “Today is the day where we have the chance to voice our position and say enough is enough,” Das Maguwal said during his floor remarks.
Council Member Teresa Parano read the draft resolution line‑by‑line during the meeting and explained changes the committee recommended after feedback from residents and outside groups. When reading background language she cited international reporting: “The United Nations reported more than 35,000 fatalities since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7,” Parano read as part of the whereas clauses the council considered.
The final motion replaced one whereas clause referencing a January 26, 2024 International Court of Justice mention and instead asked the council to “urge the U.N. Security Council to support the three‑step plan presented by President Biden,” language designed to align the city’s request with ongoing federal diplomacy. The motion to adopt the amended resolution was made by Vice Mayor Das Maguwal and seconded by Council Member Parano, and carried by a roll call vote of the four members present.
The adoption followed more than two hours of public comment in which dozens of Daly City residents, many describing personal connections to Israel and Palestine, urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution “without amendments.” One community speaker told the council, “We are your actual constituents and we need you to stand with us and with humanity,” reflecting the large and emotional turnout.
Council Member Lehi/Glenn Sylvester, who had earlier urged caution about prescriptive language and recommended waiting for full council participation, ultimately voted in favor after the text was revised. Mayor Justin Manalo, who moved Item 24 up on the agenda to allow the crowd to be heard, said the resolution was intended as a statement of the city’s values and a request to national leaders rather than a change in federal policy.
The council’s resolution directs the city clerk to transmit copies to federal elected officials and to urge national action to negotiate a just, lasting solution that protects civilians and restores essential services. The measure is symbolic and carries no force over federal or military action, but supporters said it signals local elected leaders’ position and responds to sustained constituent pressure.
The council discussed but did not adopt any local policy changes or municipal sanctions as part of the vote. The meeting record shows the council intended the resolution to express Daly City’s support for immediate humanitarian relief and diplomatic steps at the federal level.
