Lewiston council passes resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza [Video]

LEWISTON — The City Council passed a resolution this week calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, becoming the third municipality in Maine to do so.

Councilors, voting 5-2 to approve the resolution, said they struggled for weeks over whether to take up the issue, but were swayed by constituents who feel they have no other options to voice their opposition to the intense violence.

Councilor David Chittim said placing the resolution on Tuesday’s agenda was “solely a response to the voices of our constituents.”

“I don’t believe the council should weigh in on matters of international politics, however, I do believe the council should be responsive to its constituents,” he said, adding that the “outpouring of support” for the resolution outweighs concerns that the issue shouldn’t be taken up locally.

The resolution asks Maine’s congressional delegation and President Biden to demand an end to violence in Gaza …