First-of-its-kind Democratic-led US Senate motion seeks recognition of Palestinian state

A group of US senators has introduced the first Senate resolution to urge recognition of a Palestinian state, further signaling a shift in American sentiment toward Israel nearly two years into its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Democratic-led measure is unlikely to pass the chamber where President Donald Trump’s Republicans have a 53-47 majority. Trump said yesterday that he disagrees with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over whether to recognize a Palestinian state, and no Republicans have joined efforts to do so.

Democrat Jeff Merkley of Oregon, who is leading the effort, says in a statement: “America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now.”

The resolution urges US recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel and would offer both sides hope while boosting prospects for peace, Merkley said.

In the House of Representatives, Ro Khanna of California is circulating a letter hoping to rally support for recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The actions reflect a shift among lawmakers toward 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 does 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 Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.