Palestinian-American Teenager Freed Following 270 Days in Israel's Detention

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American adolescent who spent nine months in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing against settlement residents, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department applauded the teenager's freedom.

Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.

Family described him as showing signs of malnutrition, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.

Through an official statement, the youth's uncle conveyed their "immense relief".

Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"At this moment, we're concentrating on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he requires after experiencing Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions throughout his detention."

The state department said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.

{"The Trump Administration gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," the department emphasized.

Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to release him.

Mohammed's parent, with four children who runs an ice cream business from Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing due to physical abuse.

He had not seen or communicated with his son following the detention, learning information solely regarding the treatment in detention through court documents.

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

The facility also contains grown detainees, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations including killings.

Approximately several hundred young Palestinian detainees being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.

Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, as well as the United Nations, document cases involving abuse and torture.

After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member their cousin Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities died from beating by radical settlers following tensions during summer.

During that period, defense forces stated authorities were looking into reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.

Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.

No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We anticipate United States leadership to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.

Kimberly Turner
Kimberly Turner

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