Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent who spent nine months in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
United States authorities said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization right after being freed, according to close relatives.
They said he is pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".
The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, our priority is getting Mohammed urgent medical care he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance than the safety and security of US citizens"," officials stated.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
The father, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, learning information solely about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained absent formal charges in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.
Additionally housing grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and homicide.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials was beaten to death by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had died.
The two cousins collaborated at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.
No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.
"We expect United States leadership to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.