【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】
According to the U.S. "New York Times," on September 18 local time, a group of Democratic U.S. senators introduced a bill resolution calling on the Trump administration to recognize the State of Palestine. This is the first such resolution proposed by the U.S. Senate.
The resolution has a slim chance of passing in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. Currently, no Republican has joined this effort. However, Reuters pointed out that this further highlights the shift and division within American society regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. Supporters said that this move could pressure the Trump administration to intervene in the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as the United Nations General Assembly is about to convene.
Next week, world leaders will gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. So far, multiple U.S. allies have announced their intention to declare recognition of the State of Palestine at the time of the assembly, including Western countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.
On September 18, displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip carried personal belongings, walking or driving along the coastal road from Gaza City to the south of Gaza. Visual China
The report stated that Jeff Merkley, a Democratic U.S. Senator from Oregon, was one of the initiators of the resolution. In a statement, he said, "The United States has a responsibility to lead, and it's time to act."
The resolution called on Hamas to lay down arms and release hostages, urged Israel to end the Gaza war, and increase humanitarian aid to the region. The resolution also urged the U.S. government to recognize a "non-militarized Palestinian state" coexisting with a secure Israel, and stated that the two-state solution would bring hope to both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict, while improving the prospects for peace.
Other joint sponsors include Democratic U.S. Senators 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.
In addition, independent senior U.S. Senator from Vermont, Bernie Sanders, is also one of the sponsors. On the 17th local time, Sanders became the first U.S. senator to describe Israel's military operation in Gaza as "genocide."
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna is circulating an open letter hoping to gather support from House members who back recognizing the status of the State of Palestine, and urging Secretary of State Rubio to recognize the State of Palestine.
Sanders: Israel's military action in Gaza is genocide, screenshot of the statement
Reuters said these actions reflect a shift in the U.S. Congress's attitude towards the Israel-Palestine issue, as the current round of the Israel-Palestine conflict is approaching its second anniversary, and more and more legislators support pressuring Israel and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The "New York Times" mentioned that the efforts of Democratic senators are likely to fail. However, supporters believe that with multiple U.S. allies preparing to recognize the State of Palestine at next week's United Nations General Assembly, this move sends an important signal. They say this action can also exert political pressure on the government to intervene in the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Data from the Gaza Health Ministry show that the Israeli military operation has led to over 65,000 deaths in Gaza. On September 16, a UN investigation committee stated that there were reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.
A Reuters poll last month showed that 58% of Americans believe that each UN member should recognize Palestine as a country.
However, despite the wishes of the international community and the majority of Americans, the Trump administration continues to express support for Israel.
Last year, President Trump stated that the two-state solution was no longer feasible. In July this year, the U.S. Department of State announced it would not participate in a UN meeting discussing the two-state solution. There are also reports that the Trump administration is trying to block other governments from attending a meeting on the Israel-Palestine issue held at the UN headquarters in New York in June.
On the 18th local time, while visiting the UK, Trump stated that he disagreed with the British government's position on recognizing the State of Palestine.
At midnight on September 19 Beijing time, the UN Security Council conducted the 10000th session, voting on a draft resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza proposed by 10 non-permanent members. Due to the constant veto by the permanent members, the draft resolution failed to pass.
After the vote, Ambassador Fu Cong of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations expressed his deep disappointment with the voting result.
Embassy Director Fu Cong also posed three soul-searching questions: How many innocent lives must be lost before a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza? How many tragedies must occur before humanitarian aid can flow freely? When will the Security Council finally fulfill its responsibilities?
Director Fu Cong emphasized that the international community's efforts to uphold justice will not stop. Next week, the 80th session of the General Assembly will hold a general debate and a high-level meeting on implementing the two-state solution. China hopes that relevant countries will listen to the strong calls of the international community and make correct decisions that are responsible for life and history. China will continue to work with the international community to promote the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian disaster, implement the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, fair, and lasting resolution of the Palestine issue.
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