Palestinian-American Youth Freed Following 270 Days in Israeli Custody

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention this past winter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.

Currently aged sixteen, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, family members reported.

According to them, he appears showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.

In a statement, the youth's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" throughout the past nine months.

"Currently, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives prompt healthcare he requires after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."

The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.

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

Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the administration, urging greater action for his freedom.

The father, with four children operating an ice cream shop based in Tampa, had earlier stated his son only confessed regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.

There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.

The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to grown detainees, including individuals found guilty of serious terrorism offences including killings.

Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Several lack formal charges along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.

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

The 20-year-old dual US citizen according to health authorities succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes last July.

Initially, military authorities reported they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.

Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.

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

"We expect US authorities to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.

Jimmy James
Jimmy James

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