Biden's hometown passes Gaza ceasefire resolution, joining growing US momentum

US President Joe Biden's hometown of Wilmington, Delaware has passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The vote was made late on Thursday, making Wilmington one of the few cities in the US to pass such a resolution - though it appears that there is momentum for other towns and cities to follow suit with US public opinion growing in favour of a ceasefire. 

The resolution in Wilmington was based on and in support of US House Resolution 786, which was introduced on 25 October in the US House.

The resolution "expresses concern for the thousands of people whose health and safety are at risk unless a ceasefire is reached and humanitarian assistance is made available in Gaza".

It urged "the Biden administration to use its diplomatic power to advocate for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine".

It called "on the Biden administration to furnish humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. This Council also voices concern for the provision of funding or other resources that will prolong this devastating conflict or contribute to further loss of lives".

The resolution in Wilmington was sponsored by Councilwoman Shané Darby, who according to her professional profile had been focused on addressing inequality as a council member.

Last weekend, demonstrators marched to Biden's family home in Wilmington to demand a ceasefire.