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By Anna Commander
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Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent hopeful ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo and GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa issued statements on Monday regarding Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners that were freed as part of the peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Why It Matters
The recent release of hostages and prisoners after two years has become a political flashpoint and closely watched around the world.
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On Monday, 20 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas after a two-year captivity, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by President Donald Trump and international mediators. Around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel as well.
What To Know
In statements on X, the New York City mayoral candidates shared their views on the historic moment.
Mamdani said, "Today’s scenes of Israelis and Palestinians are profoundly moving: Israeli hostages being freed and families reunited after years of fear, uncertainty, and torture; the first days in Gaza without relentless Israeli bombardment of Palestinians as families return to rubble and loved ones freed from detention. There is finally a glimmer of hope that this ceasefire will hold and the long difficult work of reconstruction can begin. I also know this news brings solace to millions of New Yorkers, who’ve felt the pain of the past few years."
The New York state assemblyman continued: "We have watched as our tax dollars have funded a genocide. The moral and human cost will be a lasting stain and requires accountability and real examination of our collective conscience and our government’s policies. The responsibility now lies with those of us who believe in peace to make sure it endures, and that it is just. Once aid is delivered, the wounded are cared for, and a lasting agreement secured, we cannot look away. We must work towards a future built upon justice, one without occupation and apartheid, and for a world where every person can live with safety and dignity."
Mamdani has seemingly defended the phrase "globalize Intifada" in the past as "a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights." He has also called antisemitism a "real issue" in New York City and said Hamas' attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, was a "war crime."
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Cuomo also reacted to the hostage releases on Monday, saying on X, "For 2 long years, families have lived through unimaginable pain, sleepless nights, and endless heartache. Today, their prayers have been answered, as the remaining hostages are finally home in the arms of their loved ones, where they belong."
"This is more than a diplomatic success; it is a moral moment, a reminder of our shared humanity and the sacred value of every life. We must never forget the terrorist act that brought us here, and we must stand together to say, with one voice: never forget and never again," New York's former governor continued. "Terrorism has no place in Gaza, in the Middle East, or anywhere in the world. Elie Wiesel once said, 'The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.' Today, we reject indifference & choose remembrance. And we choose hope: hope that peace is possible."
In a recent poll by Quinnipiac University, Cuomo's strongest support comes from Jewish voters in New York City.
Sliwa also reacted on X, saying on Monday, "After two long years, all the living hostages are now safely home! A massive weight has been lifted from their families' shoulders. Peace is always the ultimate goal, and finally, an end to the war is something we all should celebrate. The 20 surviving hostages are reunited by families and loved ones after 738 agonizing days in captivity. 7+3+8 = 18, which means Chai, which means “life” in Judaism. A number that embodies life, hope, and blessing. We pray that these hostages coming home can recover, and live peacefully again. We are proud of President Trump and all involved for making this peace deal happen."
The New York City mayoral race is commanding national attention, with major policy, demographic and ideological shifts at stake for America's most populous city. Mamdani's campaign, if successful, would make him the city's first Muslim mayor—a historic milestone discussed in the context of broader debates over policing, affordability and response to Trump’s policies.
What People Are Saying
Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email on Monday: "My reaction is that he thought he needed to say something, knowing that it would be interpreted in different ways by his supporters versus opponents. He is acknowledging how this was an important day moving toward [peace], with a seemingly unifying tone, but by referring to genocide, occupation, and apartheid, he will sound to supporters of Israel [as] divisive. Even if this were widely posted--and it is not clear that many people will see it even [then]. I would expect to see no net effect on his support."
Vice President JD Vance, on X Monday: "Today marks a truly historic achievement in President Trump's mission for peace. It was incredible to see those hostages returned safely after two long years of unspeakable horrors. May God continue to guide our president and may this finally be a lasting peace in the region."
Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, on X Monday: "A day history was made. Our hostages were freed from the Hamas dungeons and In the Knesset, @POTUS Trump delivered a message that echoed in every heart: 'I love Israel. I'm with you all the way. God bless you. God bless the United States of America, and God bless the Middle East.' Thank you, Mr. President, for your unshakeable friendship and your historic leadership in this defining moment. Israel loves you back"
What Happens Next
The New York City mayoral election is set for November 4.
Update 10/13/25, 10:26 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Shapiro.
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