Two resolutions were introduced at the ASUI Senate meeting on the ongoing Israel and Palestine conflicts occurring in the Gaza strip, on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
F25-R5 was a resolution commenting on the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israeli government on Oct. 3. The flotilla was a group of international activists including Greta Thunberg, Adia Colau and Mandla Mandela, delivering food and aid to Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
Senator Lekia Denj sponsored this resolution as a condemnation of the interception of ships from the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. Senator Davi believes that it is ASUI’s responsibility to denounce these types of actions in government when seen.
The second resolution was F25-R6, was a general condemnation of the violence in Gaza. It ties in Gaza during these conflicts. The resolution was presented to the Senate and sponsored by Senator Andrew Andrea, with co-sponsors Senator Zac Knapp and Senator Gunner Cavener.
When presenting the resolution, Andrea said, “ASUI has a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with the people in Gaza.” Senator Zac Knapp added during debate on the resolution that this is a bi-partisan issue, and said, “I have been shocked and appalled by the human rights violations that have occurred in the Gaza strip.” Knapp continued saying those peace negotiations are being presented to Israel, the public should not ignore the tragedies that occurred there.
Senator Gunner Cavener amended resolution F25-R6, adding a quantitative addition. “In Gaza there is a 83% civilian casualty rate, in contrast to WW2 when the Germans caused a 30% civilian casualty rate.” The senator said that this would give students a better understanding of the severity of the issue.
Both resolutions are being sent to the Policy and Resolution Committee.
Senate resolution F25-R3, a condemnation of the brief closure of the Jimmy Kimmel Live show due to the actor’s strike, was also passed on Wednesday’s meeting. Director of Finance, Lance Butkofker, spoke up in support of the resolution during public forum, saying, “When we have presidents or public officials publicly asking for the closure of political speech, it’s a dangerous precedent in America.”
The new senators additionally have been welcomed and added to the ASUI senate, through bill F25-R5, which passed unanimously. Senator Leal sponsored this bill, stating that the senators are “going to kill it, and they are going to be amazing.”
ASUI will meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Clearwater-Whitewater room in the ISUB.
Meetings are open to the public.
Josie Adjanohoun can be reached at [email protected].