American-Palestinian Youth Released Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent having endured a nine-month period in Israeli detention absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
According to them, he appears pale, underweight, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances over several months."
American authorities stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," officials stated.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to the state department and the White House, demanding more be done for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, learning information solely about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and homicide.
There are around several hundred young Palestinian detainees being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth according to health authorities was beaten to death by radical settlers during a confrontation last July.
At the time, military authorities reported they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
The two cousins collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
