Palestinian-American Adolescent Liberated Following Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American youth who spent nine months in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention last 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 applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Now sixteen years old, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he requires after being subjected to harsh conditions and brutal treatment for months."
US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," officials stated.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, demanding more be done for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.
Mohammed was held without charge within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and homicide.
An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth according to health authorities died from beating by settlement residents during a confrontation during summer.
During that period, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
Both young men were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.