Democratic senators introduce resolution calling for US recognition of Palestinian state

A group of US Democratic senators is leading a call to recognize the Palestinian state, describing it as “the only viable path” to prevent future generations from enduring “insecurity and affliction.”

Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon introduced the nonbinding resolution on Thursday, urging the United States to formally recognize a “demilitarized Palestinian state.” This marks the first time a proposal of this kind has been put forward in the US Senate.

“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,” Merkley said in a statement announcing the move.

“The only viable path for that is two states for two peoples,” he 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.”

Merkely said the US had a responsibility to lead such an initiative, and the time to do it was now.

Addressing the genocide taking place in Gaza, formally recognized by the United Nations on Tuesday, the resolution calls for “an immediate ceasefire, return of all [Israeli captives], and influx of aid.”

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Although the resolution is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led Senate, it reflects increasing backing for a “two-state solution,” particularly as Israel’s brutal war on Gaza continues with no sign of easing.

The proposed resolution comes a week before several Western allies of the United States, including Canada, France, the UK, and Australia, plan to recognize the Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly 2025 in New York City.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Peter Welch of Vermont, and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Van Hollen, who, along with Merkley, visited the occupied Palestinian territories and the West Bank at the end of August, said in a public statement, “Given that the Netanyahu [cabinet] has obstructed that goal and the Trump Administration has abandoned it, Congress must make its position clear.”

The resolution was also endorsed by the pro-Israel lobbying group J Street.

“Recognition sends a clear message that extremists on both sides, those seeking permanent occupation and annexation, or those seeking the destruction of Israel, cannot dictate the future,” J Street’s president, Jeremy Ben-Ami, said.

Progressive Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, a co-sponsor of the bill, said on Wednesday that Israel is guilty of committing genocide against the Palestinians.

“The conclusion is inescapable: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” Sanders said.

This comes as on Thursday, the US used its veto power to block a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking the sixth such veto since the onset of the Gaza genocide nearly two years ago.

The veto has drawn sharp criticism internationally, with many denouncing the US for enabling the ongoing genocide.

The occupying regime waged its brutal Gaza onslaught in October 2023. Since then, it has killed at least 65,141 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 165,925 others.

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