American-Palestinian Youth Released Following Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American youth having endured a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge gained freedom.
Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials applauded the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he requires after experiencing Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."
The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," officials stated.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to the state department and the White House, demanding more be done to secure his release.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
The facility also contains grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and murder.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by settlement residents following tensions during summer.
At the time, the Israeli military said they were examining accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.
The two cousins were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We demand US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.