American-Palestinian Youth Freed After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent having endured a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials applauded Mohammed's liberation.
Now sixteen years old, required hospitalization right after being freed, family members reported.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he requires after experiencing harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several months."
American authorities stated they would maintain to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership considers paramount than the safety and security of American nationals"," it added.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and the White House, requesting additional efforts to release him.
Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences 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, including UN bodies, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers following tensions in July.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect the American government to protect our families," the uncle stated.