In a sign of shifting sentiment in Washington, a group of US senators on Thursday introduced the first Senate resolution urging recognition of a Palestinian state — marking a significant political development nearly two years into Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
The Democratic-led measure is unlikely to pass the chamber where President Donald Trump’s Republicans have a 53-47 majority. Trump said on Thursday he disagreed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over whether to recognize a Palestinian state and no Republicans have joined efforts to do so.
‘Time To Act Is Now’
Democrat Jeff Merkley of Oregon, who is leading the effort, said in a statement: “America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now.”
The resolution urges US recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel and would offer both sides hope while boosting prospects for peace, Merkley said.
In the House of Representatives, Ro Khanna of California is circulating a letter hoping to rally support for recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The actions reflect a shift among lawmakers toward pressuring Israel to end the war and ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the conflict approaches the two-year mark.
The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Senate resolution’s other co-sponsors are Democrats Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Peter Welch of Vermont, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, as well as Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.
Sanders on Wednesday became the first US senator to describe events in Gaza as a genocide.
Israel Claims Foul Play
A United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded this week that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel said the findings were biased and based on unverified evidence.
A handful of US allies are preparing to recognize a Palestinian state as world leaders meet at the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll last month showed that a majority of Americans – 58% – believe that every country in the United Nations should recognize Palestine as a nation.
The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 65,000 on Wednesday, Gaza health authorities say. About 1,200 people were killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the war and 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza and around 20 are still alive.
(With inputs from Reuters)
