Bell City Council votes 4-1 in favor of a cease fire resolution

BELL, CA – Bell City Council voted to adopt a cease-fire resolution this week, affirming their support and solidarity with the Palestinian people of Gaza and calling for an immediate and permanent de-escalation from Israel. The resolution passed 4-1 with Vice-Mayor Ana Maria Quintana casting the only opposition vote. 

Throughout the first half of the public forum, community members were awarded an opportunity to speak out either in support or opposition to the resolution, although the vast majority of speakers voiced their support. The overwhelming majority Latino district (89%) included a diverse lineup of ceasefire advocates as well as local community leaders and concerned residents. 

The first speaker, President of the Muslim Democratic Club, Moe Awadallah, spoke in favor of the resolution stating that it was time to come together as a nation and demand an immediate ceasefire. “What's happening today [in Gaza] is a nightmare,” Awadallah said to the council, “no schools, no shelters, no food, no hospitals, no medication. Enough is enough.”

Marco Barcena, the Vice Mayor of the neighboring city of Bell Gardens spoke as well, stating that the local community is feeling the impact of the war against Gaza. “Think about what would happen if all of a sudden the City of Bell was entirely destroyed, and everyone in it died including all your loved ones,” he said during a public comment. “That's exactly what happened in Gaza, more than 36,000 people are dead, and our population here in Bell is 32,000.”

Prior to the final vote, Councilwoman Quintana made a statement explaining why she would not be supporting the resolution. She shared the opinion that the resolution failed to recognize the  “difficulties and complexities” of what was happening between Israel and Palestine. “Israel cannot continue to live under the threat of another attack by Hamas and the people of Palestine cannot continue to live under the abuse that is taking place because Hamas is resigning in their territories,” said Councilwoman Quintana.

She went on to express support for a 2-state solution, as well as a cease-fire from both Israel and Hamas. “Israel lives with the constant threat that Hamas will bombard them on a daily basis, but so do the people of Palestine. As of now, we have yet to put this in context.” The councilwoman was met by boos and jeers from the crowd, to which she countered “I am not a sellout.”

Councilwoman Monica Arroyo followed up Quintana’s comments by expressing support for the resolution, stating “I will always stand for love, justice, peace and defend humanity.”

Before the final roll call, Mayor Gallardo also made a final statement. “Thank you all for coming out and pushing us to do this. I for one, want to be on the right side of history,” he said before the resolution was approved.