New York Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani would not say whether he thinks Hamas should disarm despite being asked several times during an interview with Fox News’s Martha MacCallum on Wednesday.
“Do you believe Hamas should lay down their weapons and leave the leadership in Gaza?” MacCallum asked, referencing reports that Hamas has continued killing Palestinian civilians and has not returned all of the deceased hostages’ bodies — including American citizens — in accordance with the deal made earlier this week.
“I think those are bodies and remains that should absolutely be returned, and I think that I have no issue with critiquing Hamas or the Israeli government, because my critiques all come from a place of universal human rights,” Mamdani replied. “And my focus, however, is right here in New York City and transforming the most expensive city in America into one that’s affordable for each and every New Yorker.”
Mamdani has faced scrutiny over his stances on Israel throughout his campaign, scrutiny that has not abated since the remaining living hostages were released earlier this week. The New York City area has the largest Jewish population outside of Tel Aviv, according to the Jewish Virtual Library.
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“But do you believe that Hamas should lay down their weapons and leave the leadership in Gaza?” MacCallum pressed Mamdani.
“I believe that any future here in New York City is one that have to make sure that’s affordable for all. And as it pertains to Israel and Palestine, that we have to ensure that there is peace. And that is the future we have to fight for.”
“But you won’t say that Hamas should lay down their arms and give up leadership in Gaza?” MacCallum asked.
“I don’t really have opinions about the future of Hamas and Israel beyond the question of justice and safety, and the fact that anything has to abide by international law. And that applies to Hamas, that applies to the Israeli military, applies to anyone you could ask me about,” Mamdani responded.
Election Day in New York City is on Nov. 4, and Mamdani is currently in a high-profile battle against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo — running as an independent — and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The candidates are scheduled to debate on Thursday night. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams recently dropped out of the race, and most polling shows Mamdani leading the pack by double digits, according to The New York Times.
