Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated After Nine Months in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian teenager after completing a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.

United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.

Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization for treatment immediately after release, relatives told the media.

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

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

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

"Right now, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he requires following exposure to harsh conditions and brutal treatment over several months."

US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.

{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," it added.

A group of American legislators had signed a letter to the state department and the administration, urging greater action to secure his release.

Mr Ibrahim, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations to throwing stones because the soldiers beat him.

There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, and only heard about his son's condition through judicial records.

Mohammed was held absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations including killings.

There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.

After the teenager's freedom, the uncle stated they would maintain their efforts demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.

The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers amid clashes in July.

At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had died.

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

No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We demand US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.