American-Palestinian Teenager Released Following 270 Days in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent who spent 270 days in Israel's custody without being charged has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest last February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, we are focused on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery following exposure to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."
The state department announced ongoing to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership considers paramount to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, urging greater action for his freedom.
The father, with four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and murder.
There are around several hundred young Palestinian detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by settlement residents during a confrontation in July.
Initially, the Israeli military said they were examining information regarding a civilian was deceased.
Both young men were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We anticipate United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.