Palestinian-American Teenager Freed Following Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American youth after completing a nine-month period in Israeli detention without charge was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with Mohammed's liberation.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and inhumane conditions over several months."
The state department said it would continue to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership considers paramount than the safety and security of US citizens"," officials stated.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to the state department and the administration, urging greater action to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen nor direct contact since the arrest, learning information solely regarding the treatment through judicial records.
He stayed lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty 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 and human rights groups, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian per medical officials succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes during summer.
Initially, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
The two cousins were employed together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.