Palestinian-American Teenager Freed Following Nine-Month Period in Israel's Custody
Zaher Ibrahim
An American-Palestinian teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges was released.
The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting while residing in Florida for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.
The US state department applauded the news of Mohammed's release.
Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.
Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.
Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".
Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.
"Currently, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention necessary for his recovery after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."
US officials announced ongoing to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.
{"American leadership has no higher priority to ensuring the safety for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.
Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, urging greater action to secure his release.
The father, with four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.
The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since the arrest, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.
The teenager remained lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility on the West Bank.
It is also home to grown detainees, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences including killings.
Approximately 350 Palestinian child security detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.
Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.
After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.
The dual national youth per medical officials succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes during summer.
Initially, military authorities reported they were examining information regarding a civilian had been killed.
Mohammed and Sayfollah collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.
No charges have been filed with Sayfollah's killing.
"We demand US authorities to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.