Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American adolescent who spent 270 days in imprisonment by Israel without charge gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, our priority is getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment for months."
US officials said it would continue to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, with four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
There were no visits or communicated with his son following the detention, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes last July.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Both young men were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.
