American-Palestinian Adolescent Freed After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.
Family described him as pale, underweight, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we are focused on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery following exposure to Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances for months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership considers paramount than the safety and security for United States citizens"," officials stated.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.
The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian per medical officials succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
Initially, the Israeli military said they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
Both young men were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect the American government to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.