The Minneapolis City Council made a resolute decision on Thursday by overriding Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto, marking a significant step towards what advocates hail as one of the most robust cease-fire resolutions nationwide.
Originally passed with a vote of 9-3 on January 25, with one abstention, the measure encompasses multiple provisions. It calls for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel, the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, and the liberation of numerous Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. The motion to override the veto also received nine affirmative votes.
Council President Elliot Payne and Vice President Aisha Chughtai jointly expressed their pride in the decision, emphasizing the alignment of the council’s stance with the sentiments of most Minneapolis residents. They underscored their commitment to upholding the council’s unified voice, irrespective of the issue at hand.
With this action, Minneapolis joins a growing roster of U.S. cities advocating for a cease-fire, numbering at least 60, including prominent urban centers like San Francisco, Oakland, Atlanta, Seattle, Detroit, Dearborn, Albany, Akron, and Providence. Notably, Chicago took a similar stance on January 31, becoming the largest U.S. city to pass such a resolution.
However, proponents of the Minneapolis resolution highlight its distinctive features. They assert that it stands out as the most robust of its kind nationwide.
Minnesota Anti-War Committee hailed the council’s decision on social media, proclaiming Minneapolis’s resolution as the most forceful cease-fire stance in the country. Likewise, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations lauded it as the “strongest” resolution of its kind nationally. University of Minnesota Students for a Democratic Society highlighted its unique call to end U.S. aid to Israel.
Mayor Frey, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, vetoed the resolution on January 31, expressing concerns about its one-sided portrayal. He affirmed his support for a cease-fire, the release of hostages, and a two-state solution but argued that the resolution neglected the narrative of Israeli Jews.
In contrast, the resolution acknowledges the October 7 attack by Hamas as “unacceptable,” condemns the targeting of civilians on both sides, and advocates for the self-determination and peaceful futures of both Palestinians and Israelis. It extensively documents the human toll of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, citing the loss of over 25,000 lives, widespread destruction of homes, and significant displacement of the population. Additionally, it references international humanitarian organizations’ findings and South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel before the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
