SAFA - New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has called on the Democratic Party to adopt a consistent approach to human rights that applies equally to everyone, stressing that Palestinians should not be treated as an exception.

In an interview with The New York Times on Monday, Mamdani said American voters are growing weary of political double standards and are looking for leaders guided by clear, consistent principles. He argued that the defense of human rights must be universal and applied without exception.

Mamdani's comments come as he continues to face criticism from pro-Israel individuals and organizations over his support for Palestinian rights. He has repeatedly said his position is rooted in human rights principles and international law rather than partisan or political considerations.

His remarks also reflect a broader debate within the Democratic Party, where progressive lawmakers and activists have increasingly called for conditioning U.S. support for Israel on its compliance with international law and internationally recognized human rights standards.

The comments come while international scrutiny of Israel's conduct in Gaza continues following the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mamdani has previously reaffirmed his campaign pledge to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli prime minister were to visit New York City, citing the ICC arrest warrant. He said the matter is being discussed with the city's legal department to determine what actions could be taken within the applicable legal framework.