Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated After 270 Days in Israeli Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
A Palestinian-American teenager having endured 270 days in Israeli detention absent formal charges was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest last February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting from his Florida home under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.
They said he is visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, family spokesperson conveyed their "immense relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after experiencing harsh conditions and inhumane conditions for months."
US officials announced ongoing to offer diplomatic assistance to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance than the safety and security of American nationals"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, urging greater action for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.
He had not seen nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.
The teenager remained absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.
The facility also contains adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences including killings.
There are around several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of abuse and torture.
Subsequent to his liberation, family representatives announced relatives would persist in advocating for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.
The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by settlement residents following tensions in July.
During that period, the Israeli military said they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.
The two cousins were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment from Tampa.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We expect US authorities to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.
