American-Palestinian Adolescent Released After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American adolescent having endured a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities applauded the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, our priority is providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he requires after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and inhumane conditions over several months."
The state department stated they would maintain to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the administration, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, learning information solely what had happened to him through judicial records.
The teenager remained lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers following tensions in July.
Initially, the Israeli military said officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.
