American-Palestinian Adolescent Released After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager who spent nine months in imprisonment by Israel without being charged gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is pale, underweight, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past 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 inhumane conditions for months."
US officials announced ongoing to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to the state department and the White House, urging greater action to secure his release.
The father, with four children managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously said his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
It is also home to adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and murder.
An estimated 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 physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth according to health authorities was beaten to death by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
Initially, military authorities reported officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
Both young men had worked together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We demand United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.
