Palestinian-American Adolescent Freed After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

A American-Palestinian youth after completing 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old at the time of his arrest this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.

American diplomatic officials said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.

Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, family members reported.

Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.

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

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"Right now, our priority is providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he requires after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment for months."

The state department said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.

{"American leadership gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," officials stated.

A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to secure his release.

The father, parent of four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.

The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since the arrest, and only heard 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 grown detainees, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.

Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, based on prison authority data.

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

After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative their cousin Sayfollah.

The dual national youth per medical officials succumbed to assault by settlement residents following tensions last July.

At the time, the Israeli military said they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.

Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.

"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.

Yvonne Charles
Yvonne Charles

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