Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After 270 Days in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth after completing a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
United States authorities said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization right after being freed, relatives told the media.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."
The state department said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership considers paramount to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to the state department and the administration, urging greater action to release him.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said his son only confessed about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact following the detention, learning information solely about his son's condition through judicial records.
The teenager remained lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to grown detainees, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and murder.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes last July.
At the time, defense forces stated officials were investigating information regarding a civilian was deceased.
The two cousins were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect US authorities to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
