Mayor, governor don’t agree on need for proposed City Council Gaza ceasefire resolution

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker disagree on the need for a Chicago City Council resolution calling for a cease fire in the Middle East.

Last week, Johnson said he sides with aldermen who want to forward a resolution calling for a cease fire in the war between Israel and Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, a terrorist organization. 

“I condemn the actions of Hamas, but at this point now I believe we’re looking at 25,000 Palestinians that have been killed during this war and the killing has to stop. So yes, we need a cease-fire. At this point now, I believe we’re looking at 25,000 Palestinians that have been killed. The killing has to stop. So, yes, we need a cease-fire,” Johnson said at a news conference. 

A resolution sponsored by Alderpersons Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33rd) and Daniel LaSpata (1st) calls for an immediate ceasefire, U.S. sponsored humanitarian aid for Gaza and the release of all hostages. A vote on the measure is expected Wednesday. 

On Monday, Gov. Pritzker told reporters the resolution, which if approved will be sent to President Joe Biden, isn’t going to affect national policy.

“The reality is people are just trying to make a statement on their own and using the City Council as some way to amplify their statement as individuals. You know, it’s just not going to have an effect,” Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference..

“There’s a lot going on here that is not recognized by the City Council’s resolution and for that, I’m sad. But the reality is, I don’t think it’ll have any real impact, other than to make a statement that there are people in the city council who feel strongly one way or another.”