Palestinian-American Adolescent Released After Nine Months in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager having endured a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Right now, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment for months."
American authorities stated they would maintain to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, urging greater action to release him.
The father, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him via legal paperwork.
He stayed absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities including killings.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth according to health authorities was beaten to death by radical settlers during a confrontation in July.
Initially, military authorities reported authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We demand the American government to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.