Palestinian-American teenager freed after 9 months in Israeli jail

A 16-year-old Palestinian-American from Palm Bay, Florida, Mohammed Zahar Ibrahim, has been released from an Israeli prison on Thanksgiving Day after being held for approximately nine months without trial.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Mohammed was accused of throwing stones at Israeli settlers. During his detention, he reportedly endured harsh conditions, including starvation and abuse. CAIR urged the U.S. government to investigate the treatment of American citizens in Israeli custody.

"His return home is a relief, but it cannot undo the suffering he experienced," said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. "The U.S. must ensure no other child, whether American or Palestinian, faces such treatment."

Mohammed was released from Ofer Prison in the West Bank. Videos shared on social media show him embracing his father outside following his release. His family divides their time between Palm Bay and Silwad, a village in the West Bank.

Mohammed was initially taken from his home in February at 3 a.m., according to CAIR-Florida. He was first detained at Megiddo Prison, one of the facilities known for holding Palestinian detainees, before being transferred to Ofer Prison north of Jerusalem. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about reports of torture and abuse in these centers.

Throughout the summer, Mohammeds family and CAIR sought assistance from U.S. officials to secure his release, supported by multiple human rights and faith organizations. His arrest coincided with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has caused widespread casualties on both sides.

Concerns about his health were reported in August, with CAIR noting significant weight loss and medical issues. In statements provided to Congress, Mohammed described being beaten, starved, denied medical care, and coerced into a false confession under threats from masked interrogators.

CAIR-Florida emphasized that Mohammed should have been enjoying normal teenage life rather than being subjected to military imprisonment and abuse, calling his release both a relief and a call for accountability in U.S. foreign policy.

Mohammeds father and CAIR rejected the allegations that he had thrown stones, describing his arrest as a nighttime raid where he was taken away blindfolded and handcuffed. The report also notes the deaths of other young Palestinians under similar circumstances, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in the region.

Author: Aiden Foster