American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth after completing a nine-month period in Israel's custody without being charged was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he needs following exposure to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance to the teenager's relatives.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to the state department and the White House, urging greater action to release him.
The father, a father-of-four who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or communicated with his son following the detention, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him through judicial records.
He stayed without charge within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
At the time, defense forces stated authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Both young men had worked together at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate the American government to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.