New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani said in an interview Wednesday that it would be “too early” to give President Trump credit on the Israel-Hamas deal.
“When it comes to the ceasefire, I’m grateful, and I’m really hopeful that it will hold and that it will be permanent. And I remain concerned, because I’ve still seen reports over the last few days, that Israeli forces had killed five Palestinians. And that’s what keeps me from issuing any kind of praise or celebration at a time when this is still in its infancy,” Mamdani told Fox News’ Martha. Told to. McCallum was asked whether he would raise his hand if asked whether Trump deserved credit on the Israel-Hamas deal.
“I think it’s too early to do that,” Mamdani told McCallum when pressed again.
“But if it turns out to be something that’s lasting,” he added, “something that’s sustainable, then I think you give it credit.”
Israel and Hamas are in the first phase of a deal that the United States struck after more than two years of conflict. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel and Hamas have begun releasing Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages, although Israel notes that none of the bodies returned appear to be those of one of the hostages.
Yet this agreement remains fragile Hamas has killed more than 30 peopleSince the ceasefire started, While NPR reportedThat Israeli forces killed at least half a dozen Palestinians.
Mamdani has been investigated during his campaign over the phrase “globalization of the intifada” and his views on Israel.
The New York State Assembly member received criticism for not condemning a phrase he himself did not use. Pro-Israel activists say it risks inciting violence against Zionists and Jews, while pro-Palestinian activists see it as tantamount to large-scale Palestinian liberation.
He has since said that he will not use it and discourages others from using it.
He has also described Israel’s action in Gaza as genocide.
CNN’s Caitlyn Collins last week asked Mamdani whether Trump deserved credit for the Israel-Hamas agreement, where he struck a similar tone.
He said, “I will say that the news of the ceasefire gives me hope, the pictures of children celebrating. And I pray that it is permanent. I pray that it brings peace.” “And I think the question of appreciation should come into the implementation of this ceasefire. Because this agreement can never erase the tragedy that has happened to so many people over the last few years, whether it’s Hamas’s terrible war crimes of October 7, or the genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli government.”
Asked by Collins if he believed Trump should be given credit, Mamdani said, “If the genocide ends, I think that’s worthy of praise. And if the hostages are returned. Those things should be done together.”
