A group of U. S. Senators have filed a resolution pressing the government to formally recognise a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. Led by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the measure calls for a demilitarised Palestinian state under Palestinian Authority governance based on the pre-1967 boundaries, adhering to the principles of a two-state solution.
Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, Tina Smith, Tammy Baldwin and Mazie Hirono are among the co-sponsors. The resolution demands, in addition to recognition, an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza. Merkley argued the U. S. has “a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” stressing that peace can only be grounded in dignity, security and justice for both peoples.
The resolution is considered largely symbolic; it faces a hostile Senate controlled by Republicans, where the measure is very unlikely to pass. No Republican senators have joined in support.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting: a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates 58% of Americans believe that all UN member states should recognize Palestine.
In the House of Representatives, Representative Ro Khanna of California is circulating a separate but related effort to gather support for recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Internationally, several U. S. allies—including Britain, France, and Canada—are expected to announce recognition of Palestine when the United Nations General Assembly convenes.
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