Florida Representative Kathy Castor (D) released a statement pressing the Trump administration to release a Palestinian-born Floridian held captive on Israeli soil.
“I urge the Trump Administration to do everything in its power to obtain the release of Mohammed Ibrahim - a child, an American citizen, and Floridian,” she said. I am deeply concerned about his well-being following reports of his prolonged detention without charges or a trial. The United States has a responsibility to advocate for its citizens abroad, and I respectfully urge the President and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to work for his swift release and return to his family.
Rep. Castor finished her statement assuring that "My office has been in touch with the administration about Mohammed's case, and will continue pressing for his release."
Israeli soldiers arrested 15-year-old Palm Bay resident Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim in his home after accusing him of throwing rocks at Israeli vehicles while he stayed at his second home in Silwad, a village in the West Bank.
Since then, he has developed scabies, according to state department emails to the family, and lost at least 25lbs, his lawyer says.
Over 100 advocacy, US human rights, faith-based, and civil rights groups have demanded that the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, immediately secure the release of a 16-year-old dual American-Palestinian citizen who has been held prisoner in Israel’s Ofer prison for over 6 months.
A coalition, consisting of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), the Center for Constitutional Rights, and Pax Christi USA, wrote a letter to Rubio, warning that Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim’s deteriorating health puts “his life on the line” and demanded urgent US intervention.
“Mohammed is an American child with a community in Florida who cares about him deeply,” the organizations wrote in the letter. “It is the responsibility of the US government to protect all American children, including Palestinian-Americans.”
Mohammed’s family has also reached out to Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R), who represents Florida’s District 8, which encompasses Brevard County, for assistance. Haridopolos’ office confirmed that representatives are in touch with the family, along with U.S. Embassy officials.
A spokesperson for the state department said in a statement that there is “no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens”.
