Palestinian-American Teenager Released Following 270 Days in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian youth who spent 270 days in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, where he was visiting from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, which he previously denied.

United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.

Mohammed, now 16, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.

Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.

In a statement, the youth's uncle conveyed their "tremendous relief".

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

"At this moment, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."

US officials stated they would maintain to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.

Several congressional representatives endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.

Mr Ibrahim, with four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt to throwing stones after being assaulted by soldiers.

There were no visits nor direct contact since the arrest, and only heard what had happened to him in detention through court documents.

The teenager remained absent formal charges in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.

The facility also contains grown detainees, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences and homicide.

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

Many have never been charged and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers during a confrontation during summer.

Initially, the Israeli military said officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had been killed.

Both young men had worked together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.

No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.

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

Mrs. Sara Garrett
Mrs. Sara Garrett

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