Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After 270 Days in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth who spent a nine-month period in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he requires after experiencing Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances for months."
The state department stated they would maintain to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," officials stated.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
There were no visits nor direct contact since February, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.
It is also home to adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences including killings.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes last July.
During that period, military authorities reported authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.
