New York
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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, stated Friday he’d be prepared to credit score President Donald Trump with brokering a ceasefire in Gaza if the settlement is enforced and “delivers peace.”
Speaking to NCS’s Kaitlan Collins on “The Source,” Mamdani stated information of the ceasefire had left him hopeful.
“What this agreement can never do is erase what the last few years of tragedy have been for so many, whether it be Hamas’ horrific war crime of October 7, or the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinians since,” Mamdani stated. “What we are talking about is no agreement can bring back the rubble or make it whole.”
Mamdani, a fierce critic of each Israel and Trump, gave his most detailed public feedback on the tentative deal since the president introduced it earlier this week. Mamdani’s views on the Israel-Hamas struggle have been intently watched in New York and nationally as he vies to lead the metropolis with the largest Jewish inhabitants exterior of Israel in addition to giant Arab and Muslim communities.
He has regularly referred to Israel’s offensive in Gaza as a “genocide,” an allegation Israel rejects. In his statement marking the second anniversary of the October 7 assaults, Mamdani denounced Hamas, Israel and the US, which he stated was “complicit” in Israel’s struggle effort.
“If the genocide ends, then I think that’s something worthy to be praised, and if the hostages are returned. Those things together have to be done in tandem,” Mamdani advised NCS on Friday.
The topic of Israel and its struggle in Gaza has been a relentless flashpoint in the race for mayor. He has been shoring up support in recent months across the Jewish community and affirming his dedication to combating antisemitism.
If elected mayor, Mamdani would make historical past as the metropolis’s first Muslim to maintain the workplace. Mamdani’s state meeting district is dwelling to one in every of New York City’s largest Arab American enclaves. Palestinian eating places, espresso retailers and mosques line a number of streets in Astoria the place Mamdani lives.