Mamdani linked Democratic Socialists of America denounces cease fire deal–demand Palestinian liberation

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which supports New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, sharply criticized the recently brokered cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In a statement released Monday, titled “Until Palestinian Liberation,” the group rejected the deal as a “conditional cease-fire” and urged ongoing resistance to what it calls Israeli occupation.

Though the cease-fire pact—mediated by the U.S. and Arab nations—calls for an end to hostilities and exchange of hostages and prisoners, DSA insisted the truce would not halt Israel’s “assault on the Palestinian people” or reverse the “theft and occupation” of Palestinian lands. The organization expressed skepticism that Israel would abide by any agreement that protects Palestinian life or sovereignty.

While the DSA acknowledged that the arrangement might bring some humanitarian relief—via aid flows and suspension of military operations—it said it retains “no illusions” about Israel’s willingness to keep its promises. The group pointed to past cease-fires, which it said merely slowed the destruction while allowing Israel to resume attacks freely.

With a membership of some 85,000, the DSA reiterated support for ending Israel’s colonization and occupation of Arab lands, upholding equal rights, and championing the right of Palestinian refugees to return. It pledged to intensify boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaigns against Israel, and to undermine U.S. support for Israeli military operations.

The statement coincides with the implementation of the truce, which includes the release of living Israeli hostages and return of remains, in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners. It also opens the door to humanitarian aid and discussion of Gaza’s reconstruction under international oversight.

Mamdani, who has distanced himself from some national party positions, made his own belated remarks. He called for an end to “occupation and apartheid” and reflected on emotionally charged scenes of hostages’ return and Palestinians emerging from bombardment. His campaign, however, is closely tied to DSA: the group had endorsed him earlier, and campaign disclosures reveal it paid over $33,000 to the New York City DSA for fundraising and messaging services.

Within its ranks, DSA has also faced scrutiny over its Israel policies. At its recent national convention, it passed a resolution threatening to expel members who refuse to support the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement—or who cooperate with pro-Israel groups. That resolution reaffirmed the 1977 al-Thawabit principles, which advocate resistance by any means necessary.

Though Mamdani has said his platform and DSA’s national stance are not identical, he has not publicly disavowed their Middle East positions. Over the weekend, he participated in a “Gaza 5K” fundraiser benefiting UNRWA, which Israel has accused of hiring individuals involved with the Oct. 7 attacks. In response, Representative Elise Stefanik criticized him, claiming he was raising funds for an agency complicit in terrorist activities.

In closing, the DSA argued that regional stability depends on holding Israel and its allies accountable for longstanding war crimes and “imperial aggression.” It asserted that until justice is secured for all Palestinians, the struggle for liberation must continue.

Source: NEW YORK POST