Palestinian-American Teenager Released After Nine Months in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager who spent 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, claims he consistently denied.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
In a statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," it added.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, with four children managing a frozen treats business from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed since February, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition through judicial records.
The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
At the time, the Israeli military said officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.