A Kamloops City Councillor is hoping to convince her colleagues to make a public stance on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Councillor Nancy Bepple tabled a notice of motion Tuesday, calling on the City to write a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requesting that the Federal Government recognize the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result of the ongoing conflict, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

It also calls on the Prime Minister to “provide leadership in the flow of unrestricted access of humanitarian aid” referencing concerns about the plight of civilians in Gaza that have been raised by groups like Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, and the United Nations.

“This is in response to community requests and my own feelings in terms of the issue,” Bepple said Tuesday.

Bepple is also one of nearly 90 BC elected officials who have already signed an open letter asking the Federal Government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. A pair of Thompson-Nicola Regional District directors – Usoff Tsao and Tricia Thorpe – have also signed the letter.

“We have heard from residents who are directly affected with family and friends in Gaza and Israel, and from others concerned about the destruction unfolding,” the letter says. “They are pleading for action from all orders of government.”

“We have a moral obligation to speak up, represent our communities, and collectively call for urgent action from the Canadian government.”

Bepple’s notice of motion also goes on to call on Mayor and Council in Kamloops to “condemn all acts of antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia in our country, which has risen these past months.”

“We call on all levels of government to commit to ensuring our communities are just, safe, and welcoming for all,” it said.

Bepple’s notice of motion will be debated at the Jan. 23 City Council meeting.