Palestinian-American Teenager Released After 270 Days in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention absent formal charges gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested last February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
They said he is pale, underweight, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"US government authorities considers paramount to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
The father, with four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said his son only confessed about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition through judicial records.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers following tensions in July.
Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We demand the American government to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.
