American-Palestinian Adolescent Released Following Nine-Month Period in Israeli Custody

Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American adolescent after completing 270 days in Israeli detention without being charged has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.

American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.

Now sixteen years old, needed medical care for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.

According to them, he appears pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.

Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" throughout the past nine months.

"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he requires after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment throughout his detention."

US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.

{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of US citizens"," officials stated.

Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.

The father, with four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.

There were no visits or communicated with his son since February, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.

He stayed lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.

The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.

There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.

Many have never been charged and human rights groups, and international organizations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.

The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes in July.

At the time, military authorities reported authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.

Both young men collaborated in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.

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

"We anticipate the American government to protect our families," the uncle stated.