American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated Following Nine Months in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager after completing nine months in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Right now, our priority is providing Mohammed with urgent medical care necessary for his recovery following exposure to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions for months."
The state department stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," it added.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to the state department and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
He stayed without charge within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and murder.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, report instances of physical 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 during a confrontation during summer.
During that period, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No indictments occurred with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate US authorities to protect our families," the uncle stated.