American-Palestinian Teenager Released After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager having endured a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."
US officials said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance than the safety and security for United States citizens"," officials stated.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and the administration, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four who runs an ice cream business in Florida, previously said his son only confessed to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since February, and only heard about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by settlement residents amid clashes during summer.
At the time, the Israeli military said they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.
