Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) on Nov. 21 sent a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urging him not to pursue non-member state status at the United Nations General Assembly at the end of the month.

For weeks, Abbas has declared that the Palestinian Authority will attempt to achieve an upgrade in its status at the United Nations on November 29.

In the letter, the senators stressed that the Palestinian unilateral effort at the United Nations will only serve to derail the peace process with Israel.

They encouraged Abbas to instead return to the negotiation table because “Palestinian statehood can only be realized as a result of a broader peace agreement negotiated with the Israelis.”

The senators were explicit in warning Abbas that if he persists with the U.N. bid that Palestinians will endure significant consequences, including in the financial aid they receive from the United States.