Israeli authorities released a 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy, Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim, on Thursday evening after holding him in custody for nine months. The release follows mounting pressure from American officials and human rights organizations.
Upon his release, Mohammed was immediately transferred to a hospital for medical evaluation. According to a statement from the Bireh Governorate, he exhibited signs of exhaustion and significant weight loss, allegedly resulting from restrictive conditions within Israeli prisons.
The Governor of Ramallah and Bireh, Laila Ghannam, stated that Mohammed’s release was secured through intervention from the U.S. government and various rights groups. She added that his health had deteriorated due to alleged mistreatment and neglect during his imprisonment.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed Mohammed’s release but emphasized the need for systemic change. In a statement posted on X, CAIR asserted that the United States should not provide unconditional support to a government that allegedly mistreats American children. The organization stressed that Mohammed’s release, though positive, does not erase the suffering he endured and reminded the U.S. government of its responsibility in such cases.
Ziad Qaddoura, Mohammed’s uncle, expressed relief that the family’s months of anxiety had ended. He stated that the family is now focused on providing Mohammed with the necessary medical care following what he described as months of ‘exploitation and inhumane treatment’ by Israeli authorities.
Mohammed was arrested on February 16th after arriving in his hometown in the West Bank from the United States a month prior. He was accused of throwing stones. Following his arrest, 27 members of the U.S. Congress signed a letter demanding his immediate release. Several religious and human rights organizations also appealed to U.S. Secretary of State, urging his intervention.
DZWatch notes a continued escalation of Israeli military and settler activity in the West Bank since the onset of the conflict in Gaza.
