Former Governor Andrew Cuomo launched a series of criticisms targeting Zohran Mamdani regarding his views on Israel and Gaza, condemning the Democratic candidate for not denouncing the terrorist group Hamas and the rallying cry “Globalize the intifada.”
“The Assemblyman refuses to denounce Hamas,” Cuomo, who is campaigning as an independent, stated during the initial general mayoral election debate held Thursday night.
“The assemblyman also won’t condemn Hasan Piker, who claimed America deserved the events of 9/11,” Cuomo added.
“In his response, the assemblyman stated, ‘Well, it depends on occupation,’” Cuomo referenced Mamdani’s comments regarding the cease-fire agreement facilitated by the Trump administration.
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“That indicates a lack of acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. From the river to the sea, that’s why he neglects to denounce the globalize the intifada slogan, which implies killing all Jews,” Cuomo expressed vehemently.
This intense barrage from Cuomo occurred while Mamdani, a socialist state assemblyman from Queens and leading candidate, faced backlash for his slow response to the significant peace agreement just announced.
The critic of Israel called for an end to “occupation and apartheid” in his statement amid the return of living Israeli hostages after two years of captivity by Hamas.
He additionally declined to assert that the terrorist organization should lay down its arms during a Fox News interview on Wednesday.
Key Moments from the First NYC Mayoral Debate
- Cuomo challenges Mamdani regarding DSA’s decriminalization of prostitution.
- Mamdani struggles to justify funding $10B in ‘freebies’ without new taxes.
- Cuomo rebukes Mamdani for labeling NYPD as ‘racist’ during the debate.
- Mamdani receives criticism for his lack of experience: ‘He has literally never had a job.’
- Mamdani faces backlash over refusal to denounce Hamas and support for ‘Globalize the Intifada’.
Upon reaching the debate stage, Mamdani reiterated that he recognizes the pain caused by the “globalize the intifada” slogan and discourages its usage.
He further asserted his stance against Hamas, expressing his long-standing desire for the group to disarm.
“I take pride in being one of the first elected officials in the state to advocate for a ceasefire, and calling for a ceasefire requires all parties to lay down their weapons,” he stated.
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“This necessitates that all involved ceasefire and disarm. Our call for this is not only to end the genocide but to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. Like many New Yorkers, I’m hopeful this ceasefire will be lasting, equitable, and that it adequately addresses the root causes of the current situation.”
The debate, held at 30 Rockefeller Center and aired by WNBC, serves as the first of two general election confrontations.
This event also marked the initial participation of Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in a debate with Mamdani and Cuomo, who had previously competed in the June Democratic primary.
The candidates will face off again next Wednesday on NY1.
