‘Blood on your hands’: Protesters erupt in anger as Rockford rejects ceasefire resolution

(This story was updated to add a video.)

Rockford City Council on Monday night rejected a new resolution calling for a ceasefire that accused Israel of committing genocide, but made no mention of the attack that started the conflict.

The resolution called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Israel. Supporters of the resolution carrying signs that said things like “Anti-Zionism isn’t anti-Semitism” and “Committing genocide is not self defense” erupted in anger when it was rejected.

“Blood on your hands!” one woman shouted.

“Shame on all of you!” another said.

Chants of “Free, free Palestine!” echoed in City Hall and could be heard in City Council Chambers after supporters filed out.

It was the second time since Aug. 12 that a ceasefire resolution brought forward by Ald. Bill Rose, D-9, failed. The last time he brought one forward, it failed at committee for lack of a second.

This time it was rejected by City Council on an 11-2 vote with Rose and Ald. Aprel Prunty, D-6, the only votes in favor of it. Ald. Jonathan Logemann, D-2, was absent.

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