Palestinian-American Adolescent Liberated After 270 Days in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian youth who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, we are focused on providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he requires after experiencing harsh conditions and inhumane conditions for months."
US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance than the safety and security for United States citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, with four children operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, and only heard about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison in the West Bank.
It is also home to adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents following tensions in July.
During that period, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.
