Andrew Cuomo, who's running for mayor on an independent ticket, said he wants the war in Gaza to end, a stance some see as a modest shift in approach but that the former governor denied Tuesday was a new position for him.

Cuomo has been a staunch supporter of Israel for years, and centered much of his primary campaign on it. But in recent interviews and press appearances, Cuomo, now an underdog in the race, appeared to slightly moderate his stance.

At a press conference, Cuomo said he wants the "carnage to stop" in Gaza, adding that he also wants Hamas eliminated and the hostages returned.

"All my career, I have been 100% pro-Israel, been the most aggressive governor in the country," Cuomo said on Tuesday.

Cuomo's comments come amid signs public support for the policies of the Israeli government is waning among New Yorkers amid its campaign in Gaza.

A Siena College poll last week found that 44% of New Yorkers sympathize more with Palestinians than with Israel, with 26% of registered voters saying they supported Israel more.

Israel Tuesday launched an expanded ground offensive. The war, which began in response to the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, is nearing its two-year mark.

A United Nations commission on Tuesday found the state was committing genocide.

Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has also said he believes Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, a position that has opened him to criticism. Mamdani has also faced backlash for his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," a term he said he has not used and now discourages.

Cuomo has called Mamdani a "terrorist sympathizer" and accused him of "fueling"antisemitism. The ex-governor joined Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legal team last year defending the leader against alleged war crimes.

The Siena poll found 39% of poll-takers said they preferred Mamdani's approach to the conflict, compared with 17% who liked Cuomo's messaging and 10% who preferred Mayor Adams' approach.

Cuomo says he wants end to war in Gaza but that he hasn't changed his stance