Palestinian-American Teenager Liberated Following Nine-Month Period in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim

A American-Palestinian teenager who spent nine months in Israeli detention absent formal charges gained freedom.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention this past winter throughout the West Bank territory, during a family visit on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, claims he consistently denied.

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

Now sixteen years old, needed medical care for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.

They said he is pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.

Via family representatives, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur stated the family experienced "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.

"Currently, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he requires after experiencing harsh conditions and brutal treatment for months."

The state department said it would continue to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.

{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.

The father, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business based in Tampa, previously claimed Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.

He had not seen nor direct contact since February, learning information solely what had happened to him in detention through court documents.

He stayed absent formal charges at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.

The facility also contains adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.

An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, according to the Israeli Prison Service.

Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, document cases involving mistreatment and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting seeking justice for their relative Sayfollah Musallet.

The dual national youth according to health authorities was beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation during summer.

Initially, the Israeli military said they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had died.

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

No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.

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