American-Palestinian Youth Released After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent having endured 270 days in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit while residing in Florida under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, claims he consistently denied.
American diplomatic officials applauded Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Currently, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after experiencing harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.
{"US government authorities has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, urging greater action to release him.
Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed since February, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
He stayed without charge at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and murder.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, and international organizations, report instances of abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin Sayfollah Musallet.
The dual national youth per medical officials died from beating by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had died.
The two cousins were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We anticipate US authorities to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.
