New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani finally spoke out Monday on the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, days after facing backlash for remaining silent by MAGA members.The socialist candidate’s comments came as tensions eased following a Trump-brokered ceasefire that freed Israeli prisoners and eased the bombardment of Gaza.In a post on X, Mamdani shared his thoughts: “Today’s scenes of Israelis and Palestinians are profoundly moving: Israeli hostages being freed and families reunited after years of fear, uncertainty, and torture; the first days in Gaza without relentless Israeli bombardment of Palestinians as families return to rubble and loved ones freed from detention.”He remained optimistic about the future of the Middle East and said, “There is finally a glimmer of hope that this ceasefire will hold and the long difficult work of reconstruction can begin. I also know this news brings solace to millions of New Yorkers, who’ve felt the pain of the past few years. We have watched as our tax dollars have funded a genocide. The moral and human cost will be a lasting stain and requires accountability and real examination of our collective conscience and our government’s policies.”Mamdani called on supporters of peace to ensure the ceasefire lasts, saying, “The responsibility now lies with those of us who believe in peace to make sure it endures, and that it is just. Once aid is delivered, the wounded are cared for, and a lasting agreement secured, we cannot look away. We must work towards a future built upon justice, one without occupation and apartheid, and for a world where every person can live with safety and dignity.”
Rival Andrew Cuomo grills Mamdani for not speaking out
His statement followed criticism from rivals, including former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who called him out on X for not commenting earlier as the hostages were released. Mamdani’s delay in commenting stirred row among voters, especially as he has yet to publicly condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada,’ widely understood as a call for violence against Jews.Mamdani also hinted at the possibility of crediting Trump for the ceasefire during a CNN interview on Friday. “If the genocide ends, then I think that’s something worthy to be praised, and if the hostages are returned,” he said. “Those things together have to be done in tandem.”Both Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, have been vocal supporters of Palestinian rights, consistently advocating for aid and justice for Gazans. Their stance has drawn both criticism and support, particularly in New York City, which has a large Jewish population. Duwaji is well known for celebrating Palestinian culture, including its art and literature, while Mamdani has taken a firm pro-Palestinian position. He has repeatedly called for an end to US government military funding to Israel and stated that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York while Mamdani is mayor. He has also condemned what he describes as the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.