Palestinian-American Youth Liberated Following Nine Months in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager having endured nine months in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.
Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest in February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.
The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.
Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several months."
American authorities said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of US citizens"," officials stated.
Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt to throwing stones due to physical abuse.
The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed since February, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained without charge in Ofer prison in the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and homicide.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.
Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, report instances of abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by radical settlers during a confrontation in July.
At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No indictments occurred with Sayfollah's killing.
"We demand United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.