HomeMy WebLinkAbout73 23 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF HEALTH
RESOLUTION OF THE JEFFERSON
COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
REGARDING THE FUNDAMENTAL Resolution No. 73-23
HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE IN
CONFLICT ZONES
Whereas, all human life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith or
ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and
Whereas, violence begets violence and, without a plan for peace, innocent people in Gaza, Israel
and the West Bank will continue to be injured and killed; and
Whereas, between October 7th and December 14th, armed violence has claimed the lives of over
19,000 Palestinian civilians, including over 7,700 children, and over 1,200 Israelis, and over
50,000 more have been wounded; and
Whereas, between October 7th and December 14th, there have been 238 attacks on healthcare
facilities in Gaza, resulting in over 570 deaths and a massive disruption of the Gazan healthcare
system, with only 22%of hospitals continuing to partially function; and
Whereas, as of December 14th, sanitation throughout Gaza has been greatly disrupted, leaving
1 toilet for every 486 people; and
Whereas, food and water are in critical short supply in Gaza, with a 59-89%reduction in water
utilization since hostilities began; and
Whereas, infectious diseases are on the rise in Gaza with outbreaks already documented of acute
respiratory infections, diarrheal illnesses, and jaundice syndromes; and
Whereas, war presents an imminent public health threat and the World Health Organization has
described the current situation in Gaza as a rapidly evolving public health catastrophe; and
Whereas, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk due to public health crises,
especially vulnerable children, without immediate restoration of basic necessities, and delivery
of adequate humanitarian aid without delay to the Palestinian people; and
Whereas, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian/anti-Arab bigotry have risen
significantly across the United States and around the world since October 7th; and
Whereas, public health professionals and officials have an obligation to speak out in support of
public health throughout the world;
615 Sheridan • Castle Hill Center•Port Townsend • WA • 98368
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Therefore,be it RESOLVED, That the Jefferson County Board of Health affirms our
commitment to the fundamental human rights of all people, including the right to unimpeded
access to essential healthcare, and the fundamental components of public health: food, water,
sanitation, and shelter; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Jefferson County Board of Health recognizes war as an
imminent public health threat and condemns violations of international law, including
indiscriminate violence against civilians and attacks on healthcare facilities; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Jefferson County Board of Health advocates for the
establishment of protected humanitarian access, and the delivery of critical aid to the people of
the Gaza Strip; and
LASTLY, RESOLVED, That the Jefferson County Board of Health stands in support of the
rights of all people to live free from fear of violence or persecution, and affirms our commitment
to stand in solidarity against Antisemitism and Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian/anti-Arab
bigotry in our community and beyond.
Approved, Adopted, and Passed this 21st Day of December, 2023
APPROVED TELEPHONICALLY
Kees Kolff, Chair
Kate Dean, ice Chair
Greg rotherton, Member
Heidi Eisenh ber
A anda e, Member
APPROVED TELEPHONICALLY
Grey Schad, Member
Libby Wennstrom, Member
615 Sheridan • Castle Hill Center• Port Townsend• WA • 98368
(360)385-9400