Mamdani skips October 7 atrocities screening, Akunis shares photo of empty seat
<p>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend a screening of footage documenting the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 massacre, despite receiving an official invitation from Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis.</p><p>Following Mamdani’s absence, Akunis posted a photo on social of the empty seat reserved for the mayor, writing: “Guess who didn't show up?"</p>
Fida al-Toutah, a mother of five, was shot and killed in Gaza during a ceasefire in September. Her son Ezz found her with bloodied hands, realizing she had been hit by gunfire. Over 1,400 people have died in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began on October 10th last year. The ceasefire, which involved releasing thousands of Palestinians held by Israel and ending the war triggered by Hamas, brought relief but has seen daily Israeli strikes in Gaza.
Israel claims it is targeting Hamas operatives, while Hamas accuses Israel of ceasefire violations. Since the war began three years ago, over 74,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. Fida's brother Ibrahim points to bullet holes in her tent, describing Israeli forces firing from vehicles and quadcopters. In the same area, 14-year-old Ismail al-Bardawil was also killed while fishing near the shore.
The family has moved seven times, but safety is elusive. Most of Gaza's population has been displaced multiple times. The population is squeezed into under 40% of the territory, controlled by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the IDF to increase Israel's control over Gaza to 70%. Despite the ceasefire, there are few options for safe relocation.
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- 'Every day there is killing': Gazans face Israeli strikes despite ceasefire as peace deal stalls bbc.co.uk
- Protesters overrun Israeli peace vigil marking October 7 attended by Mamdani jpost.com
- Anti-Israel protesters rally at Columbia, NYU on October 7 anniversary israelnationalnews.com
- Mamdani is jeered at October 7 vigil as protesters call him traitor to Palestinian cause theage.com.au
- Mamdani is jeered at October 7 vigil as protesters call him traitor to Palestinian cause smh.com.au