Washington D.C. – PBS, Dec. 02, 2025
The day before Thanksgiving was the real celebration for an American family living in the occupied West Bank. Mohammed Ibrahim was released after nearly 10 months in an Israeli prison. The 16-year-old was arrested in February for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. His family was unable to speak with or see him for his entire detention. Amna Nawaz spoke with Mohammed and his father.
Geoff Bennett:
The day before Thanksgiving was the real celebration for an American family living in the occupied West Bank; 16-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim was released from nearly 10 months in an Israeli prison, arrested in February in the dead of night at his family home for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli vehicles.
His family was unable to speak or even see him for his entire detention. The American Embassy advocated for his release after his health had declined. Finally, last Wednesday, he was freed.
Amna spoke with Mohammed and his father for an exclusive sit-down TV interview.
Amna Nawaz:
After more than nine months in an Israeli jail, this was 16-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim’s first hug with his father, freed and finally home.
Back with his family in the occupied West Bank, he sat down with his father, Zaher Ibrahim, to speak to the “News Hour.”
So, Mohammed, I have to start with you because a lot of people have been waiting to hear from you. What can you tell us about how you’re doing and what it’s like to be back home?
Mohammed Ibrahim, Palestinian-American Child Detainee:
So good. I feel safe now. And I missed everyone and everything.
Amna Nawaz:
What was the very first thing that you did when you arrived back home, Mohammed?
