Overview

• Sen. Jeff Merkley introduced the first Senate resolution calling for U.S. recognition of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, coupled with an immediate ceasefire, return of all hostages, and expanded aid to Gaza.
• The resolution has no Republican co-sponsors and is unlikely to advance in the GOP-controlled chamber, though it is backed by Democrats including Chris Van Hollen, Tim Kaine, Tina Smith, Tammy Baldwin, Mazie Hirono, Peter Welch, and independent Bernie Sanders.
• France plans to formally recognize Palestine on Monday alongside several states such as Canada, Australia, Belgium, Portugal, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino, and Andorra, with the UK expected to announce recognition separately.
• Republican leaders Elise Stefanik and Sen. Rick Scott urged the UK, France, Canada, and Australia to reverse planned recognitions, warning such steps would reward Hamas, while President Trump publicly disagreed with the UK’s plan.
• Israeli retaliation is anticipated by diplomats after recognitions, with Netanyahu allies floating steps such as annexation in the West Bank, as international pressure intensifies following a UN inquiry reporting reasonable grounds for genocide and Gaza’s reported death toll exceeding 65,000.