A group of Senate Democrats are calling on the United States government to recognize a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure state of Israel.
The nonbinding resolution was introduced Thursday by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the first of its kind in the Senate, as the pressure rises on Israel over its nearly two-year military siege against Palestinian militant group Hamas, designated as a foreign terrorist group by the U.S. government, in the Gaza Strip.
“Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” Merkley said in a statement on Thursday.
The resolution, which is unlikely to advance in the GOP-controlled Senate, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages and an influx of humanitarian aid into the war-torn enclave.
“But then, a foundation for peace and prosperity for the future—and the only viable path for that is two states for two peoples,” the Oregon senator said. “The goal of a Palestinian state can’t be put off any longer if we want the next generation to avoid suffering from the same insecurity and affliction.”
Some of the U.S.’s closest allies, including Canada, the United Kingdom and France, have recently said they intend to recognize Palestinian statehood.
President Trump said he disagreed with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on recognizing an independent Palestinian state.
“We want it to end. We have to have the hostages back immediately. That’s what the people of Israel want,” the president said. “They want them back. And we want the fighting to stop.”
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” Trump added. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
Merkley’s resolution was co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Peter Welch (Vt.), Tina Smith (Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (Wisc.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Sanders became the first senator on Wednesday to accuse Israel of committing a “genocide” in Gaza, accusations that the Jewish state has long denied.
The measure was introduced days ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where other U.S. allies are set to recognize the Palestinian state.
Merkley, along with Van Hollen, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of overseeing a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians in Gaza earlier this month.
Hamas ignited the war in the region after killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking some 250 hostages during their Oct. 7 attack. Since then, the Israeli military has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The tally does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Israel believes there are just under 50 hostages held by Hamas and that about 20 are still alive.
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