Palestinian-American Adolescent Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention this past winter within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"At this moment, our priority is getting Mohammed urgent medical care he needs following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
American authorities said it would continue to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, learning information solely regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
The teenager remained absent formal charges in Ofer prison in the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, based on prison authority data.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation during summer.
Initially, military authorities reported they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
The two cousins had worked together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We demand the American government to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.
