American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American adolescent who spent 270 days in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with Mohammed's liberation.
Now sixteen years old, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after experiencing harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership considers paramount than the safety and security for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, requesting additional efforts to release him.
The father, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen nor direct contact since February, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.
The teenager remained without charge in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains grown detainees, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, report instances of abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by settlement residents during a confrontation during summer.
Initially, the Israeli military said officials were investigating information regarding a civilian had died.
Both young men had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand the American government to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.
