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

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American adolescent having endured a nine-month period in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges has been freed.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 at the time of his arrest in February throughout the West Bank territory, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.

The US state department said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.

Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital right after being freed, relatives told the media.

According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems contracted in captivity.

Via family representatives, family spokesperson expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"Right now, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and brutal treatment throughout his detention."

The state department said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.

{"US government authorities considers paramount to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," officials stated.

Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to the state department and the administration, demanding more be done to secure his release.

The father, with four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously said his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.

The father hadn't visited nor direct contact since the arrest, learning information solely about his son's condition through judicial records.

Mohammed was held absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.

It is also home to adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced of serious terrorism offences and murder.

An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, including UN bodies, say some have suffered mistreatment and torture.

Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating demanding accountability for their family member their cousin Sayfollah.

The 20-year-old dual US citizen according to health authorities was beaten to death by settlement residents following tensions during summer.

At the time, military authorities reported authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.

Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.

"We expect US authorities to ensure our family's safety," family representatives emphasized.

Bryan Bird
Bryan Bird

A passionate food blogger and home chef with over a decade of experience in creating and sharing innovative recipes.