American-Palestinian Teenager Liberated After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian teenager after completing a nine-month period in Israeli detention absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest in February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.
American diplomatic officials applauded the teenager's freedom.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.
They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, our priority is providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"American leadership gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of US citizens"," it added.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers endorsed a document to US authorities and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to release him.
Mr Ibrahim, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, had earlier stated his child admitted guilt about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him via legal paperwork.
The teenager remained absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.
It is also home to mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences including killings.
An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.
This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities was beaten to death by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
Initially, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian had died.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.
No one has been charged with Sayfollah's killing.
"We anticipate United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.