Senate Democrats urge US to recognize Palestinian state

The nonbinding resolution was introduced Thursday by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the first of its kind in the Senate, as the pressure rises on Israel over its nearly two-year military siege in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” Merkley said (Read more at The Hill).