The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the political organization backing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, released a statement Monday rejecting the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas and calling for continued “resistance” against the Jewish state.

The statement, titled “Until Palestinian Liberation,” was issued days after Israel and Hamas began implementing a U.S.- and Arab-brokered cease-fire deal arranged under President Donald Trump’s leadership.

The agreement included the release of 20 living Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of others in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

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The DSA claimed the agreement amounted to a “conditional cease-fire” that would not end what it described as “Israel’s assault on the Palestinian people or the theft and occupation of Palestinian lands.”

The group added, “This truce does not wash the hands of the ruling class that … continued to fuel and arm genocide while stoking regional war.”

While the group acknowledged “the relief that may be afforded to Palestinians under the agreement in humanitarian assistance and cessation of Israeli military operations,” it said it held “no illusions that Israel will honor any negotiated agreement that preserves Palestinian life or self-determination.”

The organization asserted that “past cease-fires only slowed the carnage” and claimed Israel “continued military action with impunity.”

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According to the statement, the DSA supports “the end of Israel’s colonization and occupation of all Arab lands,” as well as “the right of all refugees to return to their homes and properties.”

It also pledged to “break the gears of the U.S. imperial war machine that enables Israel” and to expand boycott and divestment campaigns targeting Israeli institutions and companies.

The DSA’s position came as the cease-fire deal began to take effect, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and launching international discussions on reconstruction and future governance under a framework overseen by international agencies.

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Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member from Queens and frontrunner in the city’s upcoming mayoral race, released his own statement on Monday.

He referred to the ongoing conflict as one of “occupation and apartheid” and expressed mixed reactions to the implementation of the cease-fire.

“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,” Mamdani said.

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The DSA has played a significant role in Mamdani’s campaign.

The organization endorsed him before his official mayoral launch, and campaign finance records show payments totaling more than $33,000 to the New York City DSA for texting and fundraising services.

At a recent local meeting, DSA chapter leaders said that “endorsed candidates are expected to follow the will of the membership” and noted that “a lot of Zohran staff are DSA members and leaders.”

The DSA’s national organization has drawn controversy for its internal policies on Israel and its approach to members who diverge from its positions.

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During its August 2024 national convention, the group adopted a resolution threatening to expel members who oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement or cooperate with pro-Israel organizations.

That resolution reaffirmed the 1977 Palestinian National Council principles known as al-Thawabit, which endorse “resistance by any means necessary.”

Mamdani has previously stated that “my platform is not the same as national DSA,” though he has not directly commented on the group’s position regarding Israel.

Over the weekend, Mamdani participated in the “New York City Gaza 5K,” a fundraiser for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

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Israeli officials have accused UNRWA of employing staff involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.

Mamdani posted photos from the event and described UNRWA as providing “critical humanitarian aid and services to Palestinians in Gaza.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) criticized the event on social media, saying that Mamdani was “raising funds for an organization that participated in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and brutally held hostages captive in Gaza.”

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In closing its statement, the DSA said, “Stability in the region is dependent on Israel and its allies finally being held accountable for their decades-long list of war crimes and imperial aggression.

Until justice is rendered for all Palestinians, the struggle for liberation continues.”

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