American-Palestinian Adolescent Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American youth having endured 270 days in Israel's custody without being charged has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues contracted in captivity.
In a statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"US government authorities gives utmost importance than the safety and security of American nationals"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers endorsed a document to US authorities and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since February, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
Mohammed was held lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and murder.
Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.
