Zohran Mamdani Navigates Complex Topics During Interview
Zohran Mamdani, the leading Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, has notably sidestepped directly calling for Hamas to disarm while persistently pledging to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a recent interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum, Mamdani faced questions regarding his critical stance on Israel amid a ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration.
The situation between Hamas and Israel is now entering the second phase of a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement. The initial phase involved the return of 48 hostages from Gaza. This week saw the return of 20 living hostages, but some deceased, including two Americans, have yet to be accounted for. The second phase emphasizes disarmament, a significant element of the deal, which could be met with reluctance from Hamas.
When asked about Hamas’s treatment of deceased hostages, particularly Americans, Mamdani stated, “I think those are bodies and remains that should absolutely be returned… My critiques come from a place of universal human rights.”
He quickly shifted the conversation to focus on pressing affordability issues in New York City, a core aspect of his campaign. However, MacCallum continued to press him on the disarmament question.
“I don’t really have opinions about the future of Hamas and Israel beyond justice and safety, which must adhere to international law,” Mamdani said. “That goes for Hamas, the Israeli military, and anyone else you might ask.”
Mamdani reiterated his commitment, asserting that if elected mayor, he would instruct the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu based on the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against him.
MacCallum pointed out that the U.S. has not ratified the ICC treaty and wouldn’t recognize such a warrant. Nevertheless, Mamdani noted that a similar warrant exists for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he would treat Putin the same if he entered New York City on principle.
“I believe we should uphold arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court, following all applicable laws,” he added, smiling as he said he would use every legal option available without creating new laws.
Mamdani expressed appreciation for the ceasefire, mentioning he has “hope that it will actually endure and that it will be lasting,” though he refrained from attributing any credit to President Trump at this early stage.
“If it proves to be lasting, then credit can be given,” he remarked.
Currently, Mamdani stands as the top candidate ahead of the mayoral election in New York City, which is scheduled for November 4th.
In a sit-down interview on Fox News, leftist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declined repeatedly when asked if Hamas should be excluded from Palestinian leadership.
