The decision text stated: “We call on the President to recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the two-state solution.” The initiative was proposed by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and supported by Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch of Vermont, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. Merkley said in a statement: “Recognizing the Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to support building a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is also the right decision.” It is noteworthy that, while recognizing Palestine, the United States used its veto power in 2024 to prevent Palestine from obtaining full membership in the United Nations. Since then, ten other countries, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia, have recognized the State of Palestine. Moscow asserts that the settlement between Palestinians and Israelis can only be achieved based on the resolutions adopted by the Security Council and on the basis of establishing a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem.
