Palestine urges U.S. administration, Congress to pressure Israel to "stop war" on Gaza

By Xinhua Published: Jul 25, 2024 09:52 AM

Israeli troops are seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on July 24, 2024. Palestine on Wednesday urged the U.S. administration and Congress to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, reported the Palestinian official news agency WAFA. (Photo: Xinhua)

An Israeli tank is seen near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, on July 24, 2024. Palestine on Wednesday urged the U.S. administration and Congress to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, reported the Palestinian official news agency WAFA. (Photo: Xinhua)

Photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip. Palestine on Wednesday urged the U.S. administration and Congress to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, reported the Palestinian official news agency WAFA. (Photo: Xinhua)

Palestine on Wednesday urged the U.S. administration and Congress to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, reported the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.

Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said in a statement it is high time for the U.S. administration and Congress to tell Netanyahu that "he must immediately stop the war if there is a genuine American will to achieve peace and stability in the region."

"There is a limited opportunity, though it remains fleeting, and it is up to the U.S. administration and Congress to seize it to halt the war," the statement said.

Abu Rudeineh added that the American side must realize that its support for Israel, providing it with weapons and money, and standing against international legitimacy, holds it responsible for the "crimes" committed against the Palestinian people.

Netanyahu addressed at U.S. Congress on Wednesday. He said that he would seek to "anchor the bipartisan support" to Israel at the U.S. Congress.

His visit comes amid growing criticism against Netanyahu at home over his failure to secure the release of about 120 hostages still being held in Gaza and the continuation of the deadly conflict, which began on Oct. 7 last year.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,145, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.