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U.S. Senate Opposes Unilateral Declaration of Palestinian Statehood
(JTA) The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday that threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to seek a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. The resolution also reaffirmed U.S. opposition to any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless the group renounces terrorism and is willing to make peace with Israel. Led by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), the resolution had 88 co-sponsors. "The Senate has delivered a clear message to the international community that United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state at this time does not further the peace process," Cardin said. "A permanent and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations." A similar measure is under consideration in the House of Representatives.