The push reflects growing concern among US lawmakers over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza after 22 months of Israeli aggression and suffocating blockade.
WASHINGTON — More than a dozen Democrats in the US House of Representatives have urged the Trump administration to recognise a Palestinian state, following announcements by the UK, France, Canada, and other countries that they plan to take that step in September, Axios reported.
The push reflects growing concern among US lawmakers over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza after 22 months of Israeli war and suffocating blockade.
The letter, initiated by California lawmaker Ro Khanna, has reportedly gained new signatories, including Chellie Pingree, Nydia Velazquez and Jim McGovern. They join nine others who had previously signed, including Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar and Andre Carson.
“This tragic moment has highlighted for the world the long overdue need to recognize Palestinian self-determination,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter to US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Axios.
The lawmakers pointed to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognize the State of Palestine at a UN meeting in September.
“We encourage the governments of other countries that have yet to recognize Palestinian statehood, including the United States, to do so as well,” they wrote.
The letter comes amid mounting international recognition of a Palestinian state, most notably from France, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The US is unlikely to follow suit, as the Trump administration has positioned the US as a close ally of Israel and its Prime Minister.
Moreover, in response to Canada’s recognition announcement, Trump said it will be difficult to make a trade deal with it. He also slammed the UK’s decision, saying that “you could make the case that you’re rewarding Hamas if you do that. I don’t think they should be rewarded. So I’m not in that camp, to be honest … because if you do that you are really rewarding Hamas. And I’m not about to do that.”
The plans of recognition come amid growing pressure on Israel to end its ongoing genocide in Gaza, which began in October 2023. More than 60,000 people have been killed so far, the majority children and women.
Malta also announced it will recognise Palestine as a state during the UN general assembly meeting. Prime Minister Robert Abela said, “Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Last year, amid Israel’s assault on Gaza, nine countries – Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados – formally recognised the State of Palestine, reflecting growing international support.
Currently, at least 146 UN member states recognise the State of Palestine. — QNN
