GAZA/RAMALLAH - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to US Congress about intensified efforts to return the hostages is "a complete lie and misleading Israeli, American and international public opinion," said Hamas, the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction, on Wednesday.

Netanyahu is "the one who thwarted all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to release the prisoners," despite the continuous efforts of mediators in Egypt and Qatar and despite the flexibility and positivity that he showed, Hamas said in a statement.

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Netanyahu's perceptions about the future of the Gaza Strip are "pure delusions and fantasies," Hamas said, noting that "Palestinian people are the only ones who have the right to determine their fate and determine who will rule them".

In the statement, Hamas accused Washington of continuing to provide all means of political and military support to Israel and giving the Israeli government the necessary cover to escape punishment.

Netanyahu addressed at US Congress on Wednesday. Previously he has said that he would seek to "anchor the bipartisan support" to Israel at the US Congress.

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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.  

US urged to pressure Israel

Palestine on Wednesday urged the US administration and Congress to pressure 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 US 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".

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"There is a limited opportunity, though it remains fleeting, and it is up to the US 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.

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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.