American-Palestinian Adolescent Released Following Nine Months in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth having endured 270 days in Israeli detention without charge gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."
US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority than the safety and security for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, demanding more be done to release him.
The father, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or communicated with his son following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment through judicial records.
He stayed without charge at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
Additionally housing adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by settlement residents amid clashes during summer.
Initially, defense forces stated they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
Both young men collaborated at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.