Palestinian-US teen held by Israel for nine months without charge due in court

November 26, 2025

A 16-year-old Palestinian-American teenager from Florida, Mohammed Ibrahim, has been held in an Israeli detention facility for nine months without formal charges after being arrested during a family vacation in the occupied West Bank. Israeli authorities claim he threw stones at Jewish settlers—an allegation he denies—while his family says he was beaten into confessing and has lost significant weight in custody. Despite being a U.S. citizen, Mohammed's case has prompted 27 Democratic lawmakers to pressure the Trump administration to secure his release, arguing the government is failing to protect an American child.

Who is affected

Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American from Florida
Zahar Ibrahim, Mohammed's father and his family
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees held in Israeli jails
27 Democratic U.S. Senators and House members advocating for Mohammed's release
Jewish settlers (alleged targets of stone throwing)

What action is being taken

The U.S. State Department is tracking Mohammed's case and working with the Israeli government
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee and embassy staff in Jerusalem are involved in the case
A U.S. embassy case worker has visited Mohammed in prison
Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris van Hollen, have sent letters to the State Department and President Trump demanding action

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of American citizens to foreign detention practices and questions the U.S. government's willingness to protect its citizens when detained by close allies. It draws attention to the broader issue of Palestinian children being held in Israeli detention without charges, with allegations of abuse and torture documented by human rights groups and the United Nations. The case tests the Trump administration's "America First" commitment and reveals potential political reluctance to pressure the Netanyahu government on human rights issues involving a U.S. citizen.

What's next

Mohammed is expected to appear in court in Israel later this week.

Read full article from source: BBC