Palestinian-American Teen Mohammed Ibrahim Released After Nine Months in Israeli Detention

Fri Nov 28 2025 09:21:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. State Department has welcomed the release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian-American teenager who spent nine months in Israeli custody without charge, raising concerns over the treatment of detainees.

Mohammed Ibrahim, now 16, was arrested in February in the West Bank for allegedly throwing stones at settlers. After months of advocacy from his family and U.S. lawmakers, he has been released but requires immediate medical attention due to the conditions he faced in custody. His case has highlighted issues surrounding the detention of Palestinian minors in Israel.

A Palestinian-American teenager who spent nine months in Israeli detention without charge has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested in February while visiting the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a holiday from Florida, accused of throwing stones at Jewish settlers, an allegation he denied.

The U.S. State Department has expressed relief over Mohammed's release.

After his release, relatives stated that he was taken to a hospital for treatment, showing signs of being pale, underweight, and suffering from health issues incurred during his time in captivity.

Mohammed's uncle, Zeyad Kadur, expressed the family's immense relief but highlighted the ongoing trauma they experienced over the past nine months. He emphasized the need for immediate medical attention, asserting it was crucial for Mohammed's health and well-being.

Kadur stated, Israeli soldiers had no right to take Mohammed from us in the first place.

U.S. officials confirmed their commitment to provide ongoing consular support. Family frustrations grew as Mohammed's father, Zahar Ibrahim, publicly criticized the lack of action by the U.S. government to secure his son's release, even after 27 U.S. lawmakers urged President Trump to intervene.

Zahar, who runs an ice cream business in Florida, stated his son confessed to throwing stones under pressure from Israeli soldiers who physically abused him. He had not had contact with Mohammed since his arrest, learning about his son's condition only through court documents.

Mohammed was detained without charge at Ofer Prison, which is also housing adult prisoners serving sentences for serious offenses, including terrorism. Reports suggest approximately 350 Palestinian minors are held in Israeli prisons, many without charges, and human rights organizations have reported cases of abuse.

Following Mohammed's release, the family plans to continue advocating for justice regarding another cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual citizen who was reportedly killed by Israeli settlers earlier this year with no charges filed against anyone involved.

Kadur remarked, We expect the American government to protect our families.