American-Palestinian Teenager Released After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth who spent nine months in Israel's custody without charge was released.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 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 applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization right after being freed, relatives told the media.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, our priority is getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he requires after experiencing harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
The state department stated they would maintain to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities considers paramount to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," it added.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to the state department and the administration, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously said his son only confessed regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held without charge at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes in July.
At the time, military authorities reported authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.
Both young men had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.
