Palestinian-American Adolescent Freed Following Nine Months in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American teenager after completing nine months in imprisonment by Israel without being charged was released.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.

United States authorities said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.

Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.

Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.

Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.

"At this moment, our priority is providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment over several months."

The state department said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.

{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance than the safety and security of US citizens"," it added.

Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, urging greater action to secure his release.

Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.

The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since February, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.

Mohammed was held absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and homicide.

An estimated 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.

Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes last July.

Initially, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.

Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.

"We anticipate United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.

Danielle Jimenez
Danielle Jimenez

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