American-Palestinian Youth Freed After 270 Days in Israel's Detention

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian youth having endured a nine-month period in Israeli detention absent formal charges gained freedom.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.

Now sixteen years old, required hospitalization upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.

According to them, he appears pale, underweight, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.

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

Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.

"Currently, we are focused on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention he requires following exposure to harsh conditions and cruel circumstances throughout his detention."

American authorities said it would continue to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.

{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," the department emphasized.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to the state department and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.

The father, a father-of-four operating an ice cream shop from Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed regarding stone throwing due to physical abuse.

There were no visits or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, and only heard about his son's condition via legal paperwork.

The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.

The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and murder.

Approximately 350 Palestinian minors in security custody currently imprisoned in Israel, according to the Israeli Prison Service.

Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.

The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers during a confrontation during summer.

Initially, defense forces stated authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had been killed.

Both young men collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.

No one has been charged with Sayfollah's killing.

"We demand US authorities to safeguard our relatives," Mr Kadur said.