American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After Nine-Month Period in Israeli Imprisonment
Zaher Ibrahim
An Palestinian-American teenager having endured 270 days in Israel's custody without being charged gained freedom.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest in February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials applauded Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.
Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" over the last nine months.
"At this moment, we are focused on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.
{"American leadership has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
A group of American legislators had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since February, learning information solely what had happened to him in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and homicide.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, and international organizations, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities died from beating by radical settlers during a confrontation during summer.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.
No indictments occurred with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate US authorities to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.