Palestinian-American Youth Freed Following Nine Months in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth having endured 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest last February within the occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials applauded the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, according to close relatives.
Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after experiencing Israel's abuse and brutal treatment for months."
US officials announced ongoing to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, requesting additional efforts to release him.
Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously said his son only confessed about rock throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact since February, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him in detention through court documents.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials succumbed to assault by radical settlers during a confrontation last July.
Initially, the Israeli military said they were examining information regarding a civilian had died.
Both young men were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.