American-Palestinian Adolescent Released After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager having endured nine months in imprisonment by Israel without charge was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he requires following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances over several months."
US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to the state department and President Donald Trump, urging greater action for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or communicated with his son since February, and only heard what had happened to him in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
During that period, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian was deceased.
Both young men had worked together at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We anticipate the American government to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.
