Democratic-led US Senate resolution seeks recognition of Palestinian state
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The Democratic-led measure is unlikely to pass the Chamber, where US President Donald Trump's Republicans have a 53-47 majority.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – A group of US senators introduced on Sept 18 the first Senate resolution to urge recognition of a Palestinian state
The Democratic-led measure is unlikely to pass the Chamber, where US President Donald Trump’s Republicans have a 53-47 majority.
Mr Trump said on Sept 18 that he disagreed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over whether to recognise a Palestinian state, and no Republicans have joined efforts to do so.
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 demilitarised Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel and would offer both sides hope while boosting prospects for peace, he said.
In the House of Representatives, Mr Ro Khanna of California is circulating a letter hoping to rally support for recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The actions reflect a shift among lawmakers towards 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 Mr Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.
Mr Sanders on Sept 17 became the first US senator to describe events in Gaza as genocide.
A UN Commission of Inquiry concluded this week that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza
A handful of US allies are preparing to recognise a Palestinian state as world leaders meet at the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll in August showed that a majority of Americans – 58 per cent – believe that every country in the UN should recognise Palestine as a nation.
The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 65,000 on Sept 17, Gaza health authorities said.
About 1,200 people were killed in the Oct 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. REUTERS
