Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After Nine Months in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager having endured 270 days in Israeli detention absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old 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, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he requires after being subjected to harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and the White House, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact since February, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held without charge within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes last July.
Initially, military authorities reported they were examining information regarding a civilian was deceased.
The two cousins collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate US authorities to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
