American-Palestinian Youth Liberated After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American youth after completing a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged gained freedom.

Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest last February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

United States authorities applauded the news of Mohammed's release.

Now sixteen years old, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.

According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.

Through an official statement, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".

Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"At this moment, our priority is providing Mohammed with urgent medical care he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances over several months."

US officials said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," the department emphasized.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done for his freedom.

The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop from Florida, had earlier stated his son only confessed about rock throwing due to physical abuse.

He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him through judicial records.

Mohammed was held lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.

Additionally housing adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted regarding severe security violations and homicide.

Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.

Numerous remain uncharged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.

After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.

The dual national youth according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.

Initially, military authorities reported they were examining reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.

The two cousins were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.

"We demand US authorities to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.