American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager who spent 270 days in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested this past winter within the occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care right after being freed, relatives told the media.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after being subjected to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment over several months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or communicated with his son since the arrest, learning information solely regarding the treatment through judicial records.
He stayed absent formal charges in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and murder.
There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes during summer.
Initially, military authorities reported authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
The two cousins collaborated at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.
