Palestinian-American Youth Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth after completing a nine-month period in imprisonment by Israel without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest last February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, we are focused on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
American authorities announced ongoing to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to secure his release.
The father, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
He had not seen nor direct contact since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
He stayed absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations including killings.
There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
Initially, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.