US Senator presents resolution to formally recognize the state of Palestine.
“Recognizing the state of Palestine is not only a practical step that Washington can take to help build a future in which Palestinians and Israelis live in freedom, dignity, and security, it is the right thing to do,” Merkley said in a statement on Thursday.
“The United States has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” he said.
This resolution calls for the United States to recognize a civilian Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel in accordance with international law and the principles of the two-state solution.
This resolution calls for a different path. First, an immediate ceasefire, the return of all prisoners, and the entry of aid. Then, a foundation for peace and prosperity for the future, and the only path to that is two states for two peoples.
“If we want the next generation to be free from the same insecurity and suffering, the goal of a Palestinian state can no longer be postponed,” Merkley said.
According to the statement, the senator introduced the resolution after a trip he made with fellow senator Chris Van Holnick to the Gaza border, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt in August.
Merkley’s resolution comes as world leaders are set to meet next week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where a number of U.S. allies are preparing to recognize the state of Palestine.
The resolution was introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, Tina Smith, Tommy Baldwin, and Mazie Hirono.
Last week, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution proposed by France and Saudi Arabia, which endorses and supports the New York Declaration on a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.
The issue of recognizing the state of Palestine has become a major topic of discussion in Europe in recent years. The European Parliament has previously supported the principle of recognizing Palestine, but the new resolution directly calls on member states to take action. In recent months, a number of European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, have officially recognized Palestine, and many other Western countries have announced that they will take this step at the UN General Assembly.