American-Palestinian Adolescent Freed Following Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian adolescent who spent nine months in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.
Family described him as visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues acquired while detained.
In a statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with urgent medical care necessary for his recovery after being subjected to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several months."
The state department said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to the state department and the White House, demanding more be done to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.
He stayed without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and murder.
Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges along with monitoring agencies, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by settlement residents following tensions last July.
Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had been killed.
The two cousins were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.
