American-Palestinian Youth Freed After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian youth having endured a nine-month period in Israeli detention without charge has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, family members reported.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he requires following exposure to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment over several months."
The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," it added.
A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
Mohammed's parent, with four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or communicated with his son following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
He stayed lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and murder.
An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by radical settlers following tensions in July.
Initially, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.
No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.
"We expect the American government to protect our families," the uncle stated.
