Palestinian-American Adolescent Freed Following Nine-Month Period in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian teenager after completing 270 days in imprisonment by Israel without being charged has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

United States authorities expressed satisfaction with Mohammed's liberation.

Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, relatives told the media.

Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.

Through an official statement, family spokesperson expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".

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

"At this moment, we're concentrating on getting Mohammed urgent medical care necessary for his recovery following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and inhumane conditions for months."

The state department stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"American leadership has no higher priority to ensuring the safety of US citizens"," officials stated.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.

Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones due to physical abuse.

He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, learning information solely what had happened to him via legal paperwork.

The teenager remained absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and murder.

There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, based on prison authority data.

Several lack formal charges and human rights groups, including UN bodies, report instances of physical abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.

This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.

At the time, defense forces stated officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.

Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.

"We anticipate United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.