Activists Criticize NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Gaza and Israel Stance

What happened

Regional public source Middle East Eye Gaza reports that New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani, initially celebrated for his strong pro-Palestinian position, is now drawing criticism from activists who accuse him of backing away from key pledges related to Gaza and Israel. Mamdani had rescinded policies seen as pro-Israel and championed Palestinian causes, but some say his recent actions suggest capitulation to pro-Israel elements.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Mamdani’s campaign focused heavily on Palestine, condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide and reversing two executive orders from his predecessor Eric Adams: one on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition and another banning city employees from engaging with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. Early in his tenure, Mamdani pushed for the release of Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia and supported divesting New York City tax money from Israel.

However, Mamdani made campaign promises that have not fully materialized. Notably, he pledged to uphold the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York. Mamdani later stated he lacked legal authority to enforce this warrant. Netanyahu’s September visit to the UN in New York was met with mass protests critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 74,000 Palestinians have reportedly died, according to Middle East Eye. Amid the protests, several politicians allied with Mamdani were arrested, while Mamdani himself did not participate in the demonstrations but planted an olive tree with Gaza families at Gracie Mansion.

Known from the source

• Zohran Mamdani is New York City's mayor.
• Mamdani reversed two executive orders imposed by predecessor Eric Adams related to antisemitism definitions and participation in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.
• Mamdani requested the release of Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.
• Mamdani expressed support for divesting New York City tax money from Israel.
• Mamdani pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York City based on an ICC warrant but later said he lacked legal authority to do so.

What remains unclear

The disconnect between Mamdani’s initial promises and recent actions has fueled disillusionment among pro-Palestine activists. At a vigil jointly held by Israeli anti-occupation group Voices for Peace and Palestinian supporters in New York’s Union Square, tensions surfaced as protesters accused Mamdani of 'normalising settler colonialism' and having 'blood on his hands.' Critics, including Mamdani’s former intern Hadeeqa Malik, demand more aggressive moves such as abolishing CUNY’s board of trustees for their support of companies aiding Israel’s military efforts.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Exact casualty numbers mentioned (74,000 Palestinians) and their sourcing. Details and legal basis for Mamdani’s claims about the ICC arrest warrant applicability. Verification of the arrests of specific politicians at the protests.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.