American-Palestinian Teenager Released After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian teenager having endured nine months in imprisonment by Israel without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department applauded Mohammed's liberation.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, the youth's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, we are focused on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."
US officials stated they would maintain to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, urging greater action for his freedom.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, had earlier stated his son only confessed regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges in Ofer prison in the West Bank.
It is also home to adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences and murder.
An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member their cousin Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian per medical officials succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We anticipate United States leadership to protect our families," the uncle stated.