Palestinian-American Adolescent Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager after completing nine months in Israel's custody without being charged has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care right after being freed, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," officials stated.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to release him.
Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment through judicial records.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
It is also home to adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations including killings.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member their cousin Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
