US Democrats Urge Israeli Release Palestinian American Teen Detained Eight Months

A 16-year-old Palestinian-American, Mohammed Ibrahim, has been held in Israeli military detention since February without trial, sparking concern and calls for his release from a bipartisan group of 27 U.S. lawmakers. The lawmakers, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to engage directly with Israeli authorities to secure his swift release, citing his deteriorating health and alleged abusive conditions. Mohammed was arrested in a nighttime raid on his family home in the occupied West Bank and accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, charges he denies. Reports indicate that he has suffered significant weight loss, scabies, and signs of torture while imprisoned, with his court hearings repeatedly postponed. The situation has highlighted concerns over the U.S. government's perceived slow response to the plight of Palestinian Americans compared to its support for Israeli Americans. Activists and a U.S.-wide coalition have also mobilized public awareness efforts and urged congressional intervention to free the teenager, who remains detained at Ofer prison under harsh conditions.