NYC Mayor Links Oct 7 to Gaza War, Calls Israeli Actions 'Genocide'

New York City Mayor Zuhairah Madani posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, acknowledging the pain of October 7th but primarily focusing on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Madani began by noting the anniversary of the "horrific war crimes of October 7th," recalling that Hamas killed over 1,100 Israelis and abducted 251 others, expressing condolences to New Yorkers affected by the loss.

However, Madani shifted the focus, stating, "The suffering did not begin and did not end on that day." He then characterized the Israeli military actions in Gaza as a "devastating and ongoing genocide," claiming over 74,000 Palestinians, including more than 21,000 children, have been killed. He also asserted that over 1,400 Palestinians have died since the "ceasefire," attributing the intensified suffering to Israeli bombings, drone strikes on civilian areas, and the obstruction of aid convoys.

Madani further alleged that New York City's tax dollars are funding these "war crimes." He concluded by calling for a refusal to accept a world where occupation and apartheid persist, war crimes go unpunished, and the U.S. federal government remains complicit through arms shipments. He urged a fight for a world where all people can live in freedom, security, and dignity.

The article notes that Madani is a known critic of Israel and has made harsh statements against the country previously. He has reportedly called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide." Madani's wife, Rama Dwajji, was also reported to have liked social media posts supporting the October 7th attacks, including one depicting a bulldozer breaking through the Gaza barrier and another celebrating on what appeared to be an IDF vehicle. While she has since deleted the likes, screenshots remain. Madani stated his wife is a private individual, and his spokesperson reiterated his condemnation of Hamas and the October 7th massacre as a "war crime."