Palestinian-American Youth Released After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent who spent 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention last February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "immense relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."
US officials stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities considers paramount to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to the state department and the administration, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition through judicial records.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, and international organizations, document cases involving abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by settlement residents during a confrontation during summer.
Initially, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We anticipate the American government to protect our families," the uncle stated.
