Palestinian-American Teenager Released Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager who spent nine months in imprisonment by Israel without charge was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, we are focused on getting Mohammed urgent medical care he needs following exposure to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."
The state department said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities considers paramount than the safety and security for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, with four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
He stayed without charge at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations including killings.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by radical settlers amid clashes during summer.
During that period, the Israeli military said officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.
The two cousins had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.
