A Palestinian-American teenager, Mohammed Ibrahim, has been released after spending nine months in Israeli detention without being officially charged. The 16-year-old was arrested in February while visiting the Israeli-occupied West Bank from Florida, under allegations of throwing stones at Jewish settlers—a claim he has denied.
The US State Department welcomed his release and indicated it would continue to provide consular support for his family. Mohammed's family expressed immense relief and shared concerns over his health, noting that he was taken to a hospital immediately after his release for treatment due to being pale and underweight, with conditions developed during his time in custody.
Mohammed's uncle, Zeyad Kadur, characterized the family's experience as a horrific and endless nightmare, emphasizing their focus on ensuring Mohammed gets the medical attention he needs. Kadur also stated that the Israeli soldiers had no right to detain Mohammed in the first place.
Although the Biden administration stated that the safety of US citizens remains a top priority, Mohammed's father had previously voiced frustration at the lack of action from the US government to secure his son's release, with 27 US lawmakers calling for more robust intervention.
Mohammed's case is part of a broader issue concerning the treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli prisons, where human rights groups highlight that many are detained without charges and often endure abusive conditions. Currently, approximately 350 Palestinian children are held in Israeli jails.
The significance of Mohammed's release comes amidst ongoing tensions and constitutes part of a familial struggle for justice, which includes the pursuit of answers regarding the death of another family member, Sayfollah Musallet, who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July.
