In a unanimous decision on Monday, the city council of Oakland, California, approved a resolution urging a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the resolution sparked controversy as it omitted language condemning the terrorist group Hamas for their alleged role in a recent massacre. Anti-Israel protesters vehemently opposed any mention of Hamas's involvement, leading to a rejection of Councilman Dan Kalb's proposed amendment.

The amendment, which sought to shed light on Hamas's responsibility for the estimated death toll of 1,200 people in southern Israel, was met with boos and accusations of being "anti-Arab." Some protesters even propagated conspiracy theories, suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces orchestrated the massacre to justify an invasion of Gaza. These claims were vehemently opposed by supporters of the amendment.

During the council meeting, one woman claimed, "There have not been beheadings of babies and rapings. Israel murdered their own people on Oct. 7." Another woman, who was eventually interrupted, argued that the notion of a massacre of Jews was a fabricated narrative, alleging that many of those killed were actually victims of the IDF.

A male speaker criticized Kalb's amendment, citing the long history of violence in the Israel-Palestinian conflict and questioning the double standard imposed on blaming Hamas for the massacre. He compared it to a wife-beater complaining when their spouse fights back, implying that both sides are responsible for the ongoing violence.

Despite the intense debate and opposition, the Oakland resolution ultimately passed without any charged language against Hamas or Israel. Councilmember Caroll Fife emphasized that the resolution had gone through four drafts to "de-politicize" it. Instead, the measure solely calls for Congress to endorse a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and provide increased humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.

Oakland now joins other American municipalities, such as Detroit, Atlanta, and Providence, in passing similar resolutions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Many of these cities, including Oakland, have sizable Arab communities. The resolution arrives as an extension to a fragile truce agreement between Israel and Hamas, which is set to expire on Wednesday with the expected release of at least ten more hostages.

Negotiators on both sides have expressed willingness to extend the cease-fire, but as of Wednesday morning, no official agreement had been reached. The Oakland City Council's resolution adds to the growing calls for a lasting peace and humanitarian support in the embattled region.