American-Palestinian Youth Liberated After Nine Months in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth having endured a nine-month period in Israeli detention without charge gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.
Now sixteen years old, needed medical care right after being freed, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"At this moment, we are focused on getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
The state department said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him through judicial records.
He stayed without charge at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, based on prison authority data.
Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth according to health authorities died from beating by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.
At the time, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Both young men collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We demand the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
