A group of 19 Democratic senators have sent a letter to President Joe Biden, pushing to lay a foundation for establishing a two-state solution in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The initiative was led by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.). In the letter, the senators called for establishing a “bold, public framework” to create a non-militarized Palestinian state” in post-war Gaza, based on a diplomatic solution in the conflict, a statement from the senator’s office said.
“We call on you to publicly outline a path for the United States to recognize a non-militarized Palestinian state,” the senators wrote.
“Given the severity of the current crisis, this moment requires determined U.S. leadership that must move beyond facilitation,” the senators wrote, referring to the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding in Gaza, which has resulted in starvation and malnutrition of citizens due to the fighting.
“As such, we request the Biden Administration promptly establish a bold, public framework outlining the steps necessary for the U.S. to recognize a nonmilitarized Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, to be governed by a revitalized and reformed Palestinian Authority,” the letter went on to say.
The letter was signed by Democratic senators from over a dozen states, which included Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio), Chris Coons (Del.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), Martin Heinrich (N.M.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Chris Murphy (Conn.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Tina Smith (Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Peter Welch (Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.).
The senators additionally called for a reform to the current Palestinian authority, set out by a framework for peace, that incorporates multiple facets, including judiciary, education, and security systems, in addition to tackling corruption and incitement to violence in Palestinian territories.
The senators made their plea just days after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reaffirmed his unwavering support for a two-state solution, specifically denouncing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, whom he referred to as an “obstacle to peace.”
Mr. Netanyahu received criticism for remaining firm in his decision to oppose a two-state solution.
Mr. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history, also urged citizens of Israel to hold new elections.
The senators further outlined that any future governing Authority in Palestine must be in cohesion with the state of Israel, and must be accepting of the two-state resolution by mandate, as well as effectively renouncing any terrorist activity in the region, which includes Hamas.
In addition, the senators called on the Biden administration to exert pressure on the Israeli government to limit violence against Palestinians by Jewish settlers, as well as end home demolitions and evictions of Palestinians in the West Bank.
“By providing a roadmap for U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state, the United States can set a path to finally realizing a two-state solution and reinvigorate conversations towards a comprehensive regional peace plan,” the senators wrote.
The senators further called to end Israeli settlement planning and construction in the West Bank, a release of customs revenues to the Palestinian Authority, and for work permits of Palestinians entering Israel from the West Bank to be reactivated.