American-Palestinian Teenager Released Following 270 Days in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian youth who spent nine months in Israeli detention without charge was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest last February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care right after being freed, relatives told the media.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed 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.
"At this moment, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and brutal treatment for months."
American authorities announced ongoing to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to US authorities and the administration, urging greater action to secure his release.
The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, previously said his son only confessed about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.
He stayed absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by settlement residents following tensions last July.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian was deceased.
Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.
"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," the uncle stated.