WASHINGTON (TNND) — More than a dozen House Democrats have signed a letter calling on the Trump administration to recognize a Palestinian state as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.

The lawmakers addressed President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the letter, according to The Washington Post, writing that such recognition is necessary to fulfill the "legitimate national rights" of Palestinians and "ensure the state of Israel's survival."

"This is the moment for the United States to officially recognize a Palestinian state. All 22 states in the Arab League called for a non Hamas Palestinian state that recognizes Israel,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who is leading efforts to gather signatories, said in a statement to The Washington Post. "We just started outreach this past week and plan to send the letter in September timed with the UN convening. The response has been overwhelming."

Khanna shared in a town hall video on social media that his letter had been leaked in what he assumed was a way to keep other members of Congress from publicly endorsing the proposal.

His announcement to support a Palestinian state was met with applause and cheers from district citizens.

According to the list from Khanna's office, co-signatories include: Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, Rep Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Rep Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., and Rep. André Carson, D-Ind.

Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said their countries would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas.

"An immediate ceasefire must be reached, the release of all hostages, and extensive humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza," Macron said in a statement. "The disarmament of Hamas, the security, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip must also be ensured. Finally, the State of Palestine must be established, its existence guaranteed, and, through its demilitarization and full recognition of the State of Israel, allowed to contribute to the security of the entire region."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not budging when it comes to the full "conquest of the Strip."

Reports from Israeli media said the prime minister was pushing the army, which already controls about three-quarters of Gaza, to conquer the entire territory, a step that could endanger the hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and further isolate Israel internationally.