New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Calls Israel’s Actions in Gaza a Genozid on Anniversary of Hamas Attacks
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has described the Israeli government’s military campaign in Gaza as a “genozid” while simultaneously condemning the October 7 Hamas-led attacks as “appalling war crimes.” The remarks came on the third anniversary of the assault, marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric from the city’s first Muslim mayor, who took office in January.
Three Years Since the Hamas Massacres and Military Escalation in Gaza
The anniversary brought starkly contrasting figures and grief to the forefront in New York. Mamdani stated that October 7 remains a “deeply painful” day for the city’s residents, acknowledging the more than 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage during the initial Hamas raids, n-tv.de reported. At the same time, the mayor pointed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing a death toll of more than 74,000 Palestinians since the war began. welt.de noted that Mamdani criticized United States military aid to Israel, arguing that taxpayer funds are actively financing war crimes and calling for an end to impunity for occupation and apartheid.
Benjamin Netanyahu Responds with Allegations of Antisemitism
Zohran Mamdani previously labeled Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and an “architect of a genocide” in prior statements. During the United Nations General Debate in late September, Netanyahu asserted that “numerous Jews” in New York no longer feel safe under the city’s current leadership. In response to these accusations, Mamdani’s office announced new measures in late September to combat antisemitism in New York, where approximately 960,000 Jewish residents account for roughly twelve percent of the city’s total population, according to n-tv.de.