Senate Democrats launch first-ever push for US recognition of Palestinian state

WASHINGTON - A number of Senate Democrats on Thursday introduced a resolution calling for US recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state, the first of its kind in the chamber's history.

The nonbinding resolution urges Hamas to disarm and release hostages, while pressing Israel to end the conflict and halt settlement expansion.

Facing long odds, the measure has no Republican support in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Supporters said the resolution sends a meaningful message as several US allies prepare to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly next week. They hope it could put more pressure on the Trump administration to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"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," Senator Jeff Merkley, who led the push, said in a statement on Thursday.

"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, warning that Israel's current policy and military action in Gaza will result in a "bad vision" for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The move follows independent Senator Bernie Sanders' accusation on Wednesday that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza.

"Over the last two years, Israel has not simply defended itself against Hamas. Instead, it has waged an all-out war against the entire Palestinian people," Sanders wrote in a statement titled "It Is Genocide," citing legal experts' conclusions. Israel has denied the accusation.

The last remaining civilian lifelines are collapsing in Gaza City amid Israel's military operations, which have caused mass casualties, destruction and tighter restrictions on humanitarian work, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday.

The number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip since Oct 7, 2023, has surpassed 65,000, Gaza-based health authorities reported Wednesday.