US Congressman Khanna leads push to recognise Palestinian state

Middle East Eye

2 days ago

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna's effort to gather support for recognising a Palestinian state is now being supported by 13 House Democrats, as of Monday.
In a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mark Rubio, which was obtained by both the Jewish Insider and Axios last week, the Democratic lawmakers have urged the government to follow in the footsteps of 147 countries that have already recognised a Palestinian state, saying the US should not 'be isolated from the rest of the free world'.
Axios reported on Monday that the number of lawmakers who had signed the letter had grown to 13.
The lawmakers who have signed the letter so far include representatives Greg Casar; Lloyd Doggett; Veronica Escobar; Maxwell Frost; Jared Huffman; Mark Pocan; Bonnie Watson Coleman; Chellie Pingree; Nydia Velazquez; Andre Carson; Jim McGovern; and Al Green.
"The recognition would come by embracing the 22-state Arab League Plan just passed this week that calls for a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel as a Jewish democratic state,' the letter went on to say.
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'We encourage the governments of other countries that have yet to recognize Palestinian statehood, including the United States, to do so as well'.
Last week, 11 lawmakers had signed the letter, according to a report by Jewish Insider.
After Jewish Insider leaked the letter, Khanna shared a post on X on 31 July, saying: 'Someone leaked our effort to try to sabotage it. Sad. It won't work.
'Recognizing a Palestinian state is an idea whose time has come. The response of my colleagues has been overwhelming. We will build support and release prior to the UN convening.'
Congressman Green has been calling for a ceasefire in Palestine since November 2023, and in December 2023 introduced a bill affirming the right of the State of Palestine to exist. He told Axios he planned to reintroduce the bill in Congress.
International recognition
More than 75 percent of United Nations members - 147 of 193 member states - recognise Palestine as a sovereign state as of March this year.
Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised a Palestinian state in May last year, while Slovenia did so in June 2025.
France said it would recognise a Palestinian State at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, more than a week and a half ago.
Last week, the UK said it would recognise a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire by the time the UN convenes. Malta and Canada say they will also conditionally recognise a Palestinian state in September.
The US has threatened to penalise Canada regarding a trade deal after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement.
Portugal also joined a growing number of countries considering the recognition of the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN meeting.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office said last week that the government would consult with the president and parliament before making a final decision.