Palestinian-American Youth Released After Nine Months in Israel's Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian adolescent who spent 270 days in Israel's custody without being charged was released.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested last February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing on holiday from Florida under suspicion of rock throwing toward Israeli settlers, claims he consistently denied.

American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the news of Mohammed's release.

Now sixteen years old, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.

Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions acquired while detained.

Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" over the last nine months.

"Currently, we are focused on getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he needs following exposure to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions for months."

American authorities announced ongoing to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"US government authorities gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of American nationals"," officials stated.

Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and the White House, demanding more be done to secure his release.

Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.

There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.

The teenager remained absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary on the West Bank.

The facility also contains mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and murder.

An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged and human rights groups, and international organizations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, Mr Kadur said relatives would persist in advocating seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers amid clashes last July.

At the time, defense forces stated they were examining information regarding a civilian was deceased.

Both young men had worked together at their family's ice cream business from Tampa.

No one has been charged regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We expect the American government to safeguard our relatives," the uncle stated.

Jason Brock
Jason Brock

Lena is a passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering the gaming industry and its evolving trends.