American-Palestinian Teenager Released After 270 Days in Israel's Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian youth having endured nine months in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges was released.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

American diplomatic officials applauded the news of Mohammed's release.

Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization right after being freed, according to close relatives.

They said he is pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.

Through an official statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "immense relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs after experiencing harsh conditions and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."

US officials said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of US citizens"," the department emphasized.

A group of American legislators had signed a letter to US authorities and the administration, requesting additional efforts to secure his release.

Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.

He had not seen nor direct contact since February, receiving updates exclusively about his son's condition in detention through court documents.

Mohammed was held lacking indictment in Ofer prison in the West Bank.

The facility also contains mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and murder.

There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.

Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by radical settlers following tensions last July.

During that period, defense forces stated officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had died.

The two cousins were employed together in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.

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

"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," the uncle stated.