American-Palestinian Teenager Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention last February throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
In a statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we are focused on getting Mohammed urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
American authorities said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and the White House, demanding more be done for his freedom.
The father, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard about his son's condition through judicial records.
The teenager remained absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
Additionally housing mature inmates, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, based on prison authority data.
Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation in July.
During that period, military authorities reported they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
The two cousins had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We anticipate US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.
