American-Palestinian Teenager Released Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian youth after completing 270 days in imprisonment by Israel without being charged gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, which he previously denied.
The US state department applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, the youth's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after experiencing Israel's abuse and brutal treatment for months."
American authorities said it would continue to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," officials stated.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or communicated with his son since February, and only heard regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held without charge within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences including killings.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials died from beating by Israeli settlers during a confrontation last July.
At the time, defense forces stated officials were investigating accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.
