An unexpected disruption happened at Monday night’s Petaluma City Council meeting after nearly 100 people began chanting inside the council chamber to demand that the city pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Mayor Kevin McDonnell called a recess to restore order. After most of the protesters had left the chamber, loud chanting could still be heard from outside City Hall. The protest began during public comment period, as 13 people spoke to the council on the issue of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with 11 in support of a ceasefire resolution and two against. All said they opposed the Middle East violence. A resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza is not on an upcoming City Council agenda. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 22.
Meanwhile, Cotati is the first city in Sonoma County to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Cotati City Council approved the resolution on Tuesday, calling for an end to the months-long violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Cotati officials are advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and the restoration of food, water, electricity and medical supplies in Gaza. The city of San Francisco passed a similar resolution on Tuesday.
