Zohran Mamdani faced confrontation from protesters in Manhattan over his refusal to fully repudiate Hezbollah, with security forming a protective barrier around the democratic socialist. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Mamdani's own statement on the ceasefire echoed the "occupation and apartheid" allegations against Israel, leading to quick criticism from both his mayoral race opponents and New York City officials.
"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," Mamdani wrote in a statement on X.
"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," he added.
MAMDANI BREAKS SILENCE ON FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGES IN STATEMENT THAT DOESN'T MENTION TRUMP
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, criticized Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for his hesitance on addressing Israel's ceasefire with Hamas. (Richard Drew/AP Photo; Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
The exchange came as Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, also found herself the focus of criticism on Monday after she publicly mourned the death of a Palestinian social media influencer who praised Hamas' actions on Oct. 7.
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The man, Saleh al-Jafarawi, was killed this weekend as Hamas clashed with rivals in Gaza after the Israeli military's withdrawal.
"Beloved Jafarawi," she wrote on Instagram.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democratic-socialist-group-backing-mamdani-condemns-gaza-ceasefire-more-anti-israel-resistance