Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated Following Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager having endured 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care right after being freed, according to close relatives.
Family described him as pale, underweight, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he requires following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."
American authorities stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership has no higher priority than the safety and security for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since February, learning information solely regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian per medical officials was beaten to death by settlement residents amid clashes during summer.
At the time, military authorities reported officials were investigating information regarding a civilian had died.
The two cousins collaborated at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand the American government to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.
