Release of Palestinian American Teen from Israeli Prison Sparks Outcry and Calls for Accountability
Tampa Teen Mohammed Ibrahim Released from Israeli Prison After Nine Months
November 10, 2025 – Tampa, Florida
In a significant development, 16-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian American from Brevard County, was released from an Israeli prison on Thursday after being detained since February on allegations of rock throwing in the West Bank. The U.S. State Department confirmed his release in a statement on Friday, expressing relief over the safe return of the young citizen.
“The Department of State welcomes the news of U.S. citizen Mohammed Ibrahim’s release from detention in Israel,” a spokesperson stated, emphasizing that the safety and security of U.S. citizens remains a top priority for the Trump Administration.
Ibrahim’s release comes after months of advocacy from family members, civil rights organizations, and concerned lawmakers. During a press conference in Tampa in August, his attorney revealed alarming details about his treatment while incarcerated at Megiddo Prison, where he reportedly contracted scabies and lost over 25 pounds due to inadequate medical care.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida chapter issued a press release detailing the alleged abuse Ibrahim faced, including physical violence and coercion during interrogations. CAIR is now calling for a thorough investigation into his treatment and accountability for those responsible.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that Ibrahim faced serious charges that could have led to a 20-year prison sentence. A military court hearing was scheduled for December 15, but his release has now put an end to those proceedings.
The Israeli embassy in Washington had circulated a letter defending Ibrahim’s detention, but it failed to address his significant weight loss or the lack of family contact since his arrest. This has raised further concerns among advocates and lawmakers.
In October, a bipartisan group of 27 members of Congress, including Florida Democratic Reps. Kathy Castor and Maxwell Frost, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging action on Ibrahim’s behalf. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who also signed the letter, expressed relief upon hearing of Ibrahim’s release, stating, “I was relieved to hear from his family today and to know that he’s safe and where he belongs — with his family.”
Ibrahim is related to Sayfollah Mussalet, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen from Tampa who was reportedly killed by Israeli settlers in July, a case that remains unresolved. The connection has intensified calls for justice and accountability in both cases.
As the community in Tampa celebrates Ibrahim’s return, the focus now shifts to ensuring that his treatment in custody is fully investigated and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
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