US Senate launches historic initiative to recognise Palestinian State

For the first time in the United States Senate, Democratic senators have introduced a bill urging President Trump to recognise a demilitarised Palestinian state.

The bill, led by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, is non-binding and unlikely to pass due to Republican control and growing opposition to the two-state solution.

The five senators who signed the bill said the move aims to send a message ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and to increase pressure on the US administration to help Gaza.

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