News Summary
A Tampa Bay family is calling for the release of their 16-year-old son, Mohammad Ibrahim, detained in Israel for nearly eight months without formal charges. Arrested during a raid in the West Bank, his family alleges he was taken by Israeli soldiers while blindfolded. They are rallying support for his release, particularly as he suffers from health issues and has not been able to communicate with them since his arrest. Advocacy efforts involve U.S. Congress members urging the government to intervene on behalf of the American citizen.
Tampa Bay, FL – A Tampa Bay family is urgently seeking the release of their 16-year-old son, Mohammad Ibrahim, who has been detained in Israel for nearly eight months without formal charges. His family alleges that Israeli soldiers arrested him at their home in the West Bank, accusing him of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers during a raid conducted at 4 a.m. on a February morning.
During the raid, approximately 25 soldiers took Mohammad away while he was blindfolded. His family states that he is currently being held in administrative detention, a controversial legal framework that allows for the indefinite detainment of individuals without trial. Family members believe that he should have been released during the recent ceasefire that saw over 1,000 Palestinians freed, given that he has not been formally charged with any crime.
Reports indicate that Mohammad has lost approximately 25% of his body weight during his time in detention, and he is suffering from scabies. The family also claims that he has been unable to communicate with them since his arrest, and they are calling for his immediate release. Civil rights organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have expressed their concerns over his deteriorating health and treatment in custody.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel is aware of Mohammad’s situation and conducts welfare checks, although direct contact with him has reportedly been restricted. Following the recent ceasefire, his family is increasingly anxious about the possibility that past experiences may repeat, where ceasefires did not lead to detainee releases.
Advocacy efforts for Mohammad’s release have drawn support from several members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, who are urging the U.S. government to take action on the matter. As an American citizen, his family asserts that he deserves protection and support from the U.S. government. Mohammad’s family maintains ties to both Florida and the West Bank, heightening their concern over his treatment abroad.
The emotional toll on the family has been compounded by tragedy, including the recent brutal death of Mohammad’s cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers while visiting the West Bank just three months prior. This incident has fueled the family’s call for justice and further highlights the volatility of the regions involved.
Many Palestinian-American advocates have also voiced their disappointment with the U.S. government’s response to the broader issues affecting Palestinians, particularly in light of the political support extended to Israel. The Israeli military’s claims regarding the accusations against Mohammad have not been independently verified, leaving questions about the legitimacy of his arrest.
As efforts to advocate for Mohammad’s release continue, his family emphasizes the urgency of their situation, feeling that their plight remains largely overlooked. They assert that as an American child, Mohammad should receive the necessary support and protection from the U.S. government during this challenging time.
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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
