Zohran Mamdani—New York City mayoral candidate—finally issued a statement after the release of the Israeli hostages, calling the moment “profoundly moving” but omitting any credit to President Trump.
He described the reunions and the first respite from Israeli bombardments in Gaza as a “glimmer of hope,” and called for reconstruction, accountability, and a future “without occupation and apartheid.” Mamdani also criticized U.S. funding to Israel, asserting that taxpayer dollars have “funded a genocide” and warning of a lasting moral stain unless the nation reexamines its policies.
The statement drew immediate backlash. Opponents noted the absence of any acknowledgment of Hamas’s role or the president’s diplomatic involvement. Some, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, publicly criticized Mamdani’s delay and lack of clarity in his response.
Mamdani’s measured but partial reaction underscores political tightropes in public discourse. While he affirmed the humanitarian significance of the event, his choice to sidestep mention of key actors reflects the balancing act some candidates perform on polarizing foreign policy issues.
