Pushing for U.S. Recognition of the State of Palestine! A Historic First in the U.S. Senate

On the 18th, a group of Democratic senators in the U.S. Senate introduced a resolution calling on President Trump to recognize a demilitarized Palestinian state. This marks the first time in Senate history that such a resolution has been proposed.

The non-binding resolution urges the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to disarm and release hostages, while also urging Israel to end the conflict and halt settlement expansion.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who sponsored the resolution, issued a statement that day calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the release of detained individuals, and expanded aid to Gaza. He stated that “recognizing a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the U.S. can take... but the right thing to do,” warning that Israel's current policies and military operations in the Gaza Strip would lead to “a dire future.” The only viable path to future peace and prosperity is the “two-state solution.”

Both chambers of the U.S. Congress are currently controlled by Republicans. The resolution received no support from Republican senators and faces a low chance of passage. During his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK on the 18th, President Trump expressed opposition to Britain's plan to recognize Palestine as a state.

Supporters of the resolution stated they hoped to exert further pressure on the Trump administration to take action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders issued a statement on the 17th accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, becoming the first U.S. federal senator to use this terminology. He stated: “Many legal experts have now concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza... I agree.”

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on the 18th that Israel's military offensive in Gaza has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis there, with the last remaining “civilian lifeline” in Gaza collapsing.

Since the outbreak of the latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, Israel—backed by the United States—has become increasingly isolated internationally. In addition to the United Kingdom, Western allies including France, Canada, and Australia have also announced their readiness to recognize the State of Palestine.