American-Palestinian Adolescent Released Following 270 Days in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American youth who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention without charge was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery following exposure to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several 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 for United States citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said his son only confessed to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or communicated with his son since February, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held without charge in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences including killings.
An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen according to health authorities died from beating by radical settlers during a confrontation during summer.
During that period, the Israeli military said they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We expect US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.