NY Attorney General Letitia James criticizes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, neglecting to acknowledge Hamas until prompted by The New York Post

New York State Attorney General Letitia James has circulated a petition among Democratic elected officials, calling for an end to the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. The petition, which has been signed by more than 60 Democratic federal, state, and city officials, including Representative Jerold Nadler and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, also condemns the October 7th massacre perpetrated by Hamas.

The petition, which represents cities and states such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston, was initially criticized by Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (D-Brooklyn) for not addressing the cause of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Vernikov's spokesperson called the original draft of the petition dishonest for not condemning Hamas terrorists for their role in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

State Assemblyman Charles Fall, a Democrat, signed onto the letter because he views the Gaza crisis as a "humanitarian issue." Fall, who has two daughters, ages 6 and 11, said, "People are hurting, starving. Think about the kids."

In response to the criticism, James' office released a new version of the letter that condemns Hamas and calls for "immediate" aid to Gaza. The revised petition still urges Americans to support relief efforts and demands that leaders use diplomacy to end the crisis in Gaza.

However, the revised petition did not mention Councilwoman Inna Vernikov as a signatory. Anti-Israel Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Queens socialist, did not sign the petition and is vacationing in Uganda through the end of the month.

The petition claims to be on behalf of a "coalition of multiracial, multiethnic, and multifaith elected officials." The revised petition states that it is united in condemning the October 7th massacre perpetrated by Hamas.

"Any acknowledgment of a humanitarian crisis without addressing its cause - a terrorist regime that uses civilians as human shields - is dishonest. Ignoring that reality isn't compassion; it's complicity," Vernikov's spokesperson added.

The petition comes as a famine is unfolding in Gaza, with the United Nations warning that more than half of the population is at risk of food insecurity. The petition urges Americans to support relief efforts and demand that leaders use diplomacy to end the crisis in Gaza.