Palestinian-American Adolescent Released Following Nine Months in Israeli Detention
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian adolescent after completing 270 days in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges has been freed.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
United States authorities applauded Mohammed's liberation.
Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care right after being freed, relatives told the media.
According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle conveyed their "overwhelming sense of relief".
Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.
"Currently, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances for months."
American authorities stated they would maintain to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.
{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.
Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to the state department and the administration, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.
Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business from Florida, previously said Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him in detention through court documents.
He stayed absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.
The facility also contains mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations including killings.
There are around 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, based on prison authority data.
Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.
The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said was beaten to death by Israeli settlers following tensions during summer.
At the time, military authorities reported authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.
Both young men had worked together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.
No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.
"We anticipate US authorities to ensure our family's safety," the uncle stated.