Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After Nine Months in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent after completing nine months in imprisonment by Israel without being charged has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, our priority is getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances for months."
US officials announced ongoing to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"US government authorities considers paramount to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, as well as the United Nations, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
At the time, the Israeli military said officials were investigating accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand the American government to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.