Palestinian-American Teenager Freed Following Nine-Month Period in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American adolescent having endured 270 days in imprisonment by Israel without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, relatives told the media.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after being subjected to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment for months."
American authorities stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, urging greater action to release him.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen or communicated with his son following the detention, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by settlement residents amid clashes last July.
During that period, military authorities reported officials were investigating accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.