Palestinian-American Teenager Released After Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare necessary for his recovery after being subjected to harsh conditions and brutal treatment over several months."
American authorities announced ongoing to offer diplomatic assistance to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, requesting additional efforts to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, with four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition through judicial records.
The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and murder.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen according to health authorities died from beating by Israeli settlers amid clashes in July.
During that period, the Israeli military said officials were investigating information regarding a civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," the uncle stated.