Mayor Laura Cabott has written to the Yukon’s MP supporting the federal government’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“On behalf of Whitehorse city council, I am writing in support of the Government of Canada’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” Cabott wrote Friday to MP Brendan Hanley.

“We are also calling for an immediate release of the Israeli hostages as part of the efforts to advance a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.

“I acknowledge that international affairs are outside of the jurisdiction of the City of Whitehorse. However, alongside those around the world, Whitehorse residents, city councillors, and municipal employees are deeply troubled by the conflict in Gaza and despair the ongoing

violence and loss of lives.

“Many Whitehorse residents feel passionately about the need to end this conflict and have expressed their desire for Whitehorse to join those calling for an end to

this fighting,” the mayor writes.

“The City of Whitehorse offers its full support to the Government of Canada to continue to work

with international partners to advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza and a lasting peace in the region.”

Last Monday, 24 Whitehorse residents appeared before council members urging them to formally call for a ceasefire.

City officials are looking for a way to enable council to vote on such a motion.