Palestinian-American Teenager Released Following Nine Months in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager after completing nine months in Israeli detention absent formal charges gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."
The state department stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," it added.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, urging greater action for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact since February, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by radical settlers during a confrontation last July.
At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We demand United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.