American-Palestinian Adolescent Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American youth who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs following exposure to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
American authorities announced ongoing to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership considers paramount to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and the White House, requesting additional efforts to release him.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop from Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment through judicial records.
He stayed lacking indictment in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains grown detainees, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by settlement residents amid clashes last July.
During that period, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
The two cousins were employed together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We anticipate US authorities to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.
