Palestinian-American Youth Freed After Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American youth who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
They said he is pale, underweight, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."
American authorities announced ongoing to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance than the safety and security for United States citizens"," officials stated.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.
The father, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison in the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and murder.
There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents following tensions in July.
At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had died.
The two cousins collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.
