This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal .
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday passed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.
The resolution passed on a 9-3 vote with one abstention, after more than an hour of discussion and debate among council members and Mayor Jacob Frey.
Hundreds of people, both in support of and opposed to the resolution, filled the council chambers and overflow rooms carrying signs and flags. Supporters rallied in the lobby afterwards to celebrate the outcome.
The symbolic resolution calls for an immediate and permanent cease-fire; humanitarian aid; an end to U.S. military funding to Israel; and the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas and the release of Palestinians held in Israeli military prisons. Supporters hope it will add pressure to state and federal lawmakers.
Council President Elliott Payne voted for the resolution, and said he’d heard from lots of constituents about it. He pushed back against criticism directed at the council for debating a symbolic measure.