American-Palestinian Teenager Released Following Nine Months in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest last February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care right after being freed, family members reported.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions for months."
US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," officials stated.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to release him.
The father, with four children operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, previously claimed his son only confessed regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard about his son's condition through judicial records.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences including killings.
There are around several hundred young Palestinian detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities was beaten to death by settlement residents amid clashes during summer.
Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No one has been charged with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.