Yarra Council joins Maribyrnong, Merri-bek councils in urging ceasefire
A Yarra City Council meeting descended into chaos during a debate over a motion to urge the federal government to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
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A Yarra City Council meeting descended into chaos during a debate over a motion to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Tuesday evening meeting had to be adjourned for 10 minutes after several outbursts from the public gallery.
Mayor Edward Crosslandwas forced to appeal for calm as tensions threatened to spill over.
With emotions running high, one man wearing a “Bring Them Home” T-shirt, a reference to the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, stood up to confront pro-Palestine advocates.
He was blocked by a woman holding a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf and told to sit down.
The motion, brought by Deputy Mayor Anab Mohamud, called for the Council to write to the Australian government to request that they call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The motion passed almost unanimously, with only Cr Herschel Landes objecting to cries of “shame” from the public gallery.
A council meeting, which had mainly covered the usual local matters including recycling and building heights, became emotional as members of the public spoke in support and opposition of the Gaza motion.
“There is no brick wall between local and non-local issues,” Cr Stephen Jolly said in response to claims the council should stick to Yarra issues.
“Apparently calling for a ceasefire to stop kids getting killed is a bridge too far.”
The lone voice in opposition, Cr Landes, said the motion was “divisive”.
“When we become divided we put at risk the harmony and safety of our community,” he said.
The successful passing of the motion saw Yarra join Maribyrnong and Merri-bek councils, who have also passed motions urging the federal government to call for a ceasefire.
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Originally published as Yarra Council joins Maribyrnong, Merri-bek councils in urging ceasefire
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