American-Palestinian Youth Freed Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager who spent 270 days in imprisonment by Israel without being charged was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "immense relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Right now, we are focused on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions over several months."
American authorities announced ongoing to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, urging greater action to release him.
The father, with four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since February, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained without charge at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by settlement residents during a confrontation last July.
During that period, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.
