District 2 Councilmember Terry Taplin put forward a statement that makes no direct criticism or condemnation of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, which is something many members of the public called for. The council considered three different resolutions from Mayor Adena Ishii, the Peace and Justice Commission and Taplin. Of the three, only the PJC resolution called for an arms embargo, and both the PJC and Ishii’s resolutions called for an end to the war on Gaza. Taplin’s resolution passed 7-1-1, with Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra voting “no” and Councilmember Ben Bartlett abstaining. Ishii’s failed 4-1-4, with Ishii and Councilmembers Igor Tregub, Bartlett and Lunaparra voting in favor. “If I had a button that I could press to end this horrific war, I would press it. I do not have such a button,” said Councilmember Shoshana O’Keefe. “I felt for a very long time that City Council should focus on local affairs and things within our sphere of influence.” Read more throu...