American-Palestinian Adolescent Released After Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention absent formal charges has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Now sixteen years old, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery following exposure to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions for months."
The state department stated they would maintain to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," it added.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to release him.
The father, with four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
He stayed lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth according to health authorities was beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation last July.
During that period, military authorities reported officials were investigating information regarding a civilian had died.
Both young men collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand the American government to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.
