American-Palestinian Teenager Freed After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian youth after completing nine months in Israel's custody without being charged gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital right after being freed, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."
The state department announced ongoing to offer diplomatic assistance to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership considers paramount than the safety and security of US citizens"," officials stated.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, demanding more be done to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment through judicial records.
The teenager remained without charge at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, based on prison authority data.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Both young men had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.