Post by : Rameen Ariff

A 16-year-old Palestinian-American teenager, Mohammed Ibrahim, has been released after spending nine months in Israeli detention without charge. Mohammed was only 15 when he was arrested in February while visiting the Israeli-occupied West Bank on a holiday from Florida. Israeli authorities accused him of throwing stones at Jewish settlers, an allegation he has consistently denied.

Mohammed was immediately taken to hospital following his release, as his family reported he is pale, underweight, and suffering from health issues contracted during his captivity. His uncle, Zeyad Kadur, expressed the family’s immense relief, describing the past nine months as a “horrific and endless nightmare.” Kadur said the family is now focused on providing Mohammed with proper medical care and restoring his childhood.

The US State Department welcomed Mohammed’s release and assured that consular support would continue to be provided to the family. Officials emphasized that the safety and security of US citizens remain a top priority. Earlier, Mohammed’s father, Zahar Ibrahim, voiced frustration over what he saw as insufficient action by the US government to secure his son’s release. In support, 27 US lawmakers had signed a letter urging the State Department and the President to take stronger measures to free him.

Mohammed was held without charge in Ofer Prison on the West Bank, which also houses adult inmates, including those convicted of serious offenses. Human rights groups and the United Nations have raised concerns over the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli detention, noting that many are held without charge and have reportedly experienced abuse or torture. There are currently around 350 Palestinian children in Israeli custody.

Following Mohammed’s release, the family also called for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual US citizen, who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation in July. Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together in the family’s ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida. No charges have been filed in connection with Sayfollah’s death, and the family expects the US government to continue protecting and supporting them.

Mohammed Ibrahim’s release brings relief to his family and highlights ongoing concerns over the detention of Palestinian children, the treatment of US citizens abroad, and the broader human rights situation in the West Bank.

#Global News