American-Palestinian Adolescent Liberated Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager after completing a nine-month period in Israel's custody without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested last February throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after experiencing Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances over several months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," officials stated.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to the state department and the administration, demanding more be done for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, with four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
There were no visits or communicated with his son since February, and only heard about his son's condition through judicial records.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations including killings.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, including UN bodies, document cases involving abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials was beaten to death by radical settlers during a confrontation last July.
At the time, military authorities reported they were examining information regarding a civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
