American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth after completing a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.
According to them, he appears pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "immense relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment over several months."
US officials announced ongoing to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership has no higher priority than the safety and security for United States citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen or communicated with his son since February, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
The teenager remained absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, based on prison authority data.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth per medical officials was beaten to death by settlement residents during a confrontation in July.
Initially, military authorities reported they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.
