American-Palestinian Adolescent Liberated Following Nine Months in Israel's Custody

Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American adolescent after completing 270 days in Israel's custody without being charged was released.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 during his detention last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.

Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.

They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.

Via family representatives, the youth's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".

Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to Israel's abuse and brutal treatment for months."

US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," it added.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to US authorities and the White House, urging greater action to secure his release.

Mohammed's parent, with four children operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt about rock throwing due to physical abuse.

There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him via legal paperwork.

Mohammed was held lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.

The facility also contains mature inmates, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations including killings.

An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.

Several lack formal charges along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.

Subsequent to his liberation, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.

The 20-year-old dual US citizen per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents during a confrontation in July.

Initially, defense forces stated officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.

Both young men collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.

No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.

"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," family representatives emphasized.