American-Palestinian Teenager Released After Nine Months in Israeli Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American adolescent after completing a nine-month period in Israel's custody without being charged has been freed.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.

Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.

They said he is pale, underweight, while battling health issues acquired while detained.

Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"Right now, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."

American authorities stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"American leadership considers paramount to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," it added.

A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.

The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.

He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.

The teenager remained without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank.

It is also home to adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations including killings.

Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Many have never been charged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.

Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.

The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by Israeli settlers following tensions last July.

During that period, military authorities reported they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had died.

The two cousins were employed together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.

No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.

"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.