Palestinian-American Teenager Freed After Nine Months in Israel's Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
A American-Palestinian teenager who spent nine months in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.
American diplomatic officials applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization right after being freed, according to close relatives.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.
In a statement, the youth's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.
"Right now, we're concentrating on providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he requires following exposure to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."
US officials said it would continue to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to the state department and the administration, demanding more be done to secure his release.
The father, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
He had not seen or communicated with his son since February, and only heard regarding the treatment through judicial records.
He stayed lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.
It is also home to mature inmates, featuring prisoners sentenced for major terrorist activities and homicide.
Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.
Many have never been charged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin family member Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by radical settlers amid clashes in July.
At the time, defense forces stated they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.
The two cousins collaborated at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We demand United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.