WASHINGTON, October 17 – Two former U.S. Marines abducted by Israel during a Gaza aid mission accused Israeli forces on Friday of systemic abuse in detention and urged immediate action to free Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old American held without charge for six months in Israeli custody.
Jessica Clotfelter and Philip Tottenham, members of Veterans For Peace, said they were among activists seized in international waters last week while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
“Diabetics were denied insulin. They told us, ‘Animals don’t get medicine,’” Clotfelter stated in a media release issued by the Institute for Public Accuracy. “If this is how they treat Americans, imagine their treatment of Palestinians.”
The activists highlighted the case of Ibrahim, a Florida-born teen allegedly taken by Israeli soldiers during a 3 a.m. raid on his West Bank home in February.
Over 30 soldiers stormed the residence, blindfolded him, and bound his arms, according to his family.
Public radio programme Here & Now reported on Thursday more than 10,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli detention, most without formal charges.
Ibrahim has lost 30 pounds due to food deprivation and faces “dire health risks” under harsh conditions, said Tottenham.
The teen’s parents, who have had no contact with him since his arrest, are part of a coalition of 100+ organisations demanding urgent U.S. intervention.
Israeli authorities have not publicly addressed the flotilla incident or Ibrahim’s case.
The Institute for Public Accuracy’s statement noted at least 23 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since a recent ceasefire began, including three killed Thursday.
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