Ohio communities watch congressional debate on Gaza resolution

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohio civil rights and faith groups say constituents across the state are watching closely as Congress debates a new resolution to formally recognize what its sponsors call the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

While advocates have been urging Ohio lawmakers to weigh in, others argue the proposal is symbolic and risks deepening political divides. Communities in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and Dayton have been vocal about U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza, with organizations hosting town halls, vigils, and meetings with congressional offices.

Supporters of the resolution said Ohio’s large Muslim, Arab American, and Palestinian populations want their representatives to address humanitarian concerns raised by international bodies.

Robert McCaw, director of government affairs for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said lawmakers are likely to face continued pressure on the issue.

"There's always a moment to have moral clarity on an issue and change your position. Now's the time," McCaw urged. "There's never a better time to recognize that our nation has been complicit in genocide and that we need to turn on this."

Ohio’s congressional delegation holds varying positions on Israel and Gaza. Critics of the resolution said Congress should focus on diplomacy and de-escalation, and warned labeling the conflict as genocide could undermine negotiations.

The resolution, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., calls for the U.S. to suspend certain weapons transfers, support international investigations and comply with legal obligations under the Genocide Convention, a U-N treaty which compels states to prevent and punish genocide. So far, 20 House members have signed on as original cosponsors.

McCaw pointed out the measure is also intended to guide state and local conversations.

"Communities everywhere must have the opportunity to speak clearly against genocide, apartheid and military occupation, demanding an end to U.S. weapon transfers and a call for real consequences for governments and corporations involved in these atrocities," McCaw stressed.

As the Council on American-Islamic Relations prepares a nationwide action alert, critics of the resolution said congressional efforts would be better directed toward ceasefire negotiations, humanitarian access and maintaining regional alliances. Ohio lawmakers have not indicated whether they will support or oppose the measure as it moves forward.