US lawmakers are now sounding alarms in regards to Mohammed Ibrahim’s case. This 16-year-old Palestinian American has been languishing in Israeli military prisons for the last eight months, and they are calling on the Trump administration to act — and act boldly. At only 15 years old, detention was a serious consequence. He’d been charged with hurling stones at Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. He has not been to trial yet, and the charges against him are still unproven.
Israeli authorities claim that Mohammed participated in violent demonstrations. Yet, to date, they have failed to offer any publicly available, transparent evidence to support these claims. His case has shone a light on the terrible conditions suffered by Palestinians in Israeli prisons. In fact, recent reports have found that approximately 75 percent of Palestinian children in Israeli detention are subjected to physical violence upon arrest. Further, 85.5 percent of these kids aren’t even told why they’re being detained.
A bipartisan coalition of 27 US Congress members are calling for Mohammed’s urgent release. This includes prominent Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen. They argue that if the American citizen in question is entitled to real, substantive treatment and vigorous responses from the US government.
“The abuse and imprisonment of an American teenager by any other foreign power should be met with outrage and decisive action by our government.” – Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
In their letter to the administration, lawmakers focused on the shocking circumstances surrounding Mohammed’s detention. His family has shared that he has lost a “significant weight since arrested in February. US embassy staff and former detainees say his health is declining and exhibit physical evidence of torture. In the meantime, court hearings continue to be delayed.
“His family has received updates from US embassy staff and former detainees who described his alarming weight loss, deteriorating health, and signs of torture as his court hearings continue to be routinely postponed.” – Letter from US lawmakers
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is horrified by Ibrahim’s ordeal. They stress its larger impact on American citizens of Palestinian origin. They contend that his case is part of a bigger problem. It draws attention to the disregard shown to Palestinians who hold US citizenship, who continue to experience reprehensible treatment.
Yousef Munayyer, executive director of the Palestine/Israel program at the Arab Center Washington DC, highlighted a very concerning one. The manner the US government has responded to these cases is indicative of a larger chasm in its professed commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
“The contrast has been made clear: The US government simply does not care about Palestinians with US citizenship who are killed or unjustly detained by Israel.” – Yousef Munayyer
The immediate need for action on this issue is made all too clear by the recent tragedies that have hurt Mohammed’s family. His other cousin, 20-year-old Sayfollah Musallet, was killed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. This tragic day was the catalyst that brought a personal aspect to their push for action from US lawmakers.
Lawmakers are right to insist that the Trump administration keep the protection of American citizens abroad top of mind. In their letter, they claimed that the administration’s failure to act is sending a dangerous message about the administration’s prioritization of human rights.
“As we have been told repeatedly, ‘the Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens abroad.’” – Letter from US lawmakers
The outcry surrounding Mohammed Ibrahim’s detention reflects larger tensions in US-Israel relations and raises questions about accountability and justice for those caught in conflict. Grassroots advocates are stepping up the pressure, pushing for a federal intervention. Like Mohammed’s lawyers, I want to see Mohammed returned home safe to his family.
