Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a mayoral debate, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool) (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)
"I'm proud to be one of the first elected officials in the state who called for a cease-fire and calling for a cease-fire means cease fire," Mamdani said on the debate stage on Thursday.
"That means all parties have to cease fire and put down their weapons. And the reason that we call for that is not only for the end of the genocide, but also an unimpeded access of humanitarian aid. I, like many New Yorkers, and I'm hopeful that this cease fire will hold."
Mamdani went on to say that he hopes President Trump's negotiated ceasefire is "durable" and "just."
MAMDANI BREAKS SILENCE ON FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGES IN STATEMENT THAT DOESN'T MENTION TRUMP
Former New York Governor and independent candidate for NYC Mayor Andrew Cuomo attends the funeral of slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam at Parkchester Jame Masjid on July 31, 2025 (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
"The President of the United States should have been applauded by you, Zohran Mamdani and you, Andrew Cuomo," Sliwa said.
Mamdani has been widely criticized in recent months for his positions on Israel, including his hesitancy to definitively condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada."
"I want to be very clear," Mamdani said on the debate stage. "The occupation is a reference to international law and the violation of it, which Mr. Cuomo has no regard for since he signed up to be Benjamin Netanyahu's legal defense team during the course of this genocide."
Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
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