American-Palestinian Adolescent Released After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian youth having endured 270 days in Israeli detention without charge gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Now sixteen years old, required hospitalization right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
The state department said it would continue to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
There were no visits or communicated with his son since February, and only heard what had happened to him in detention through court documents.
He stayed lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
Additionally housing mature inmates, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect US authorities to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.