Palestinian-American Teen Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
LONDON — A Palestinian-American teenager has been released after spending nine months in Israeli detention without formal charges. Mohammed Ibrahim, who was 15 when arrested during a family visit to the occupied West Bank, returned to his family on Tuesday amid concerns about his health and treatment during confinement.
Ibrahim was detained in February on allegations of throwing stones at Jewish settlers—a charge he consistently denied. His uncle, Zeyad Kadur, described the past months as a “horrific and endless nightmare” and expressed “immense relief” at his nephew’s release.
The 16-year-old was transferred directly to a hospital for medical care after his release. Relatives said he appeared pale, underweight, and showed signs of physical and emotional strain. His father, who runs an ice cream business in Florida, asserted that Ibrahim had confessed to the accusations only after being beaten by Israeli soldiers.
Ibrahim was held at Ofer prison, a facility where approximately 350 Palestinian minors are currently detained on security-related charges, according to the Israeli Prison Service. Human rights organizations and United Nations bodies have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including allegations of abuse and torture.
The U.S. State Department welcomed Ibrahim’s release and confirmed it would continue providing consular support to the family. In a statement, the department emphasized that the “safety and security of U.S. citizens” remains a top priority.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of Palestinian children in Israeli detention and the treatment of dual nationals. Kadur noted that the family would also continue seeking justice for his cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July. No charges have been filed in connection with that incident.
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