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 in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida, for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
The US State Department said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release, while his family expressed immense relief. Right now, we are focused on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions for months, said his uncle Zeyad Kadur.
Relatives reported that Mohammed, now 16, was taken to the hospital for treatment immediately after his release, being described as pale and underweight, suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli prisons, with approximately 350 Palestinian child detainees reported in confinement, many without charges. Human rights groups have raised alarm over allegations of abuse and inadequate conditions.
Mohammed's father had voiced frustration earlier at the lack of action from the U.S. government to secure his son's release, despite efforts by U.S. lawmakers advocating for his freedom. The State Department has affirmed its commitment to providing consular support to the family, emphasizing the priority of U.S. citizens' safety and security.
The family's fight continues as they seek justice for another relative, Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual U.S. citizen who reportedly died from injuries inflicted during a confrontation with Israeli settlers earlier this year.
