Summary
- U.S. Senate introduced resolution for Palestinian state recognition.
- Calls for a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside secure Israel.
- Led by Senator Jeff Merkley with Democratic support.
President Donald Trump's Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the House, making it doubtful that the Democratic-led bill will succeed. Trump claimed on Thursday that no Republicans had joined the push to declare a Palestinian state and that he differed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the matter.
In a statement, Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley, who is spearheading the initiative, said,
"America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now."
According to Merkley, the resolution would give both sides hope and improve chances for peace by calling on the United States to recognize a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.
In an effort to mobilize support for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, Ro Khanna of California is circulating a letter in the House of Representatives.
As the battle nears its two-year mark, MPs are increasingly pressing Israel to halt the war and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as evidenced by these acts.
A request for comment was not immediately answered by the Israeli embassy in Washington.
In addition to Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, the Senate resolution is co-sponsored by 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.
Sanders was the first U.S. senator to call the situation in Gaza a genocide on Wednesday.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted last month, 58% of Americans think that all UN member states ought to recognize Palestine as a separate country.
According to Gaza health officials, the number of Palestinians killed in the conflict topped 65,000 on Wednesday. According to Israeli estimates, the October 7, 2023, Hamas strike that started the war claimed almost 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages.
According to Israel, some 20 hostages are still alive and 48 are still in Gaza.
What are the international reactions to Palestinian recognition efforts?
Palestinian statehood has been recognized by over 145 states, including numerous states in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Recently several Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Malta, expressed their intention to recognize Palestine which indicates a larger and continuing shift in diplomatic discussions in Europe and worldwide.
Supporters argue recognition is necessary for Palestinian self-determination, to resuscitate peace talks, lessen the humanitarian crises facing Gaza, and inquiries regarding Palestinian statehood.
International organizations, including the United Nations General Assembly, have passed resolutions in favor of Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.