Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After Nine Months in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent who spent 270 days in Israeli detention absent formal charges has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Now sixteen years old, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, the youth's uncle spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and cruel circumstances for months."
US officials stated they would maintain to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business in Florida, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, and international organizations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
During that period, military authorities reported they were examining information regarding a civilian was deceased.
The two cousins had worked together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.
