Family Pleads for Release of Palestinian-American Teen Held in Israeli Prison

Fri Oct 24 2025 06:58:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The family of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American from Florida, calls on U.S. officials for help after he was arrested by the Israeli military during a family visit. His case highlights concerns over the treatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention.

Mohammed Ibrahim has been held in an Israeli prison for eight months as his family mourns the loss of his cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, who was killed earlier this year. Advocates and family members are urging U.S. officials to intercede on his behalf, citing allegations of mistreatment and a lack of communication about his condition.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A grieving family from Florida is urgently appealing to U.S. leaders for assistance in securing the release of a 16-year-old Palestinian-American, Mohammed Ibrahim, who has been detained in an Israeli prison for eight months. His family says that while they mourn the brutal killing of his cousin, the anguish is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Mohammed's fate.

Arrested at a family home near Ramallah during a visit in February, Mohammed was accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, a charge his advocates argue lacks substantial evidence. He faces potential imprisonment for up to 20 years. Since his arrest, the family has struggled to gain any meaningful updates on his condition or treatment.

This case shines a light on the ongoing tension and treatment of Palestinians within the Israeli legal system. The family, along with various advocacy groups and members of Congress, are calling for urgent action. In a letter, senators expressed their grave concerns and urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to engage directly with Israeli authorities to secure Mohammed’s swift release.

Witness testimony from Mohammed’s arrest describes a traumatic experience where he was reportedly beaten by Israeli soldiers. The teen's family has not been able to communicate with him directly since his detention, relying on intermittent reports about his wellbeing.

Reports from within the prison indicate that conditions are dire, with overcrowded cells and inadequate food supplies, leading to concerns about Mohammed's health as he battles with both weight loss and a scabies infection. The family's sense of helplessness deepens as U.S. authorities examine the situation without providing clarity or commitment to action.

For them, each day is a painful reminder of their loss, both in the death of Sayfollah and the incarceration of young Mohammed. The family continues to hope for a resolution, praying for the return of their son and cousin, who they view as an innocent victim caught in an ongoing conflict that deeply impacts communities on both sides of the divide. Amidst a backdrop of strong political lobbying, their emotional plea raises questions about human rights, youth justice, and international intervention.