Howard County Executive Ball Writes To President Biden Calling For Ceasefire In Gaza

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has released a draft letter addressed to U.S. President Joe Biden urging him to use his position and influence to secure an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza War.

The draft letter, which will be available for public input, calls for the release of all hostages and negotiation of a bilateral ceasefire to end hostilities.

"More than 25,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza and the West Bank, and more than 1,200 Israelis died as a result of this conflict since Oct. 7, 2023. More than half of these deaths were women and children. It is our duty as elected leaders and as Americans to stand up to call for this brutal cycle of violence and human suffering to end and begin the process of rebuilding. We call for peace now," the letter stated.

The draft letter can be read in its entirety here.

The county’s inaugural Interfaith Advisory Council will host a public listening session Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex. During this listening session, Howard County residents will have the opportunity to provide public input and make their voices heard regarding the ongoing conflict.

"We know our community has been hurting since the attacks on innocent people on Oct. 7. As we see increased pain, suffering and turmoil in Palestine and Israel, we know many of our residents are also hurting right here at home. This is an opportunity for our residents to make their voices heard on this critical issue. We must do our part to call for peace now," Ball wrote in his letter.

The letter calls for an immediate bilateral ceasefire and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages. It also strongly urges a global humanitarian surge of food, water, medical supplies and equipment to Gaza. Residents can send their thoughts and feedback regarding the letter to ConstituentServices@howardcountymd.gov.