Palestinian-American Adolescent Freed Following 270 Days in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian teenager having endured nine months in Israeli detention without charge gained freedom.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 during his detention in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.

United States authorities expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.

Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization right after being freed, relatives told the media.

According to them, he appears visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues developed during imprisonment.

Via family representatives, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.

"Right now, our priority is providing Mohammed with prompt healthcare he requires after being subjected to harsh conditions and inhumane conditions over several months."

The state department said it would continue to provide consular support for the Ibrahim family.

{"American leadership gives utmost importance than the safety and security for United States citizens"," it added.

Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, demanding more be done to release him.

Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business based in Tampa, previously said his son only confessed regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.

There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively regarding the treatment via legal paperwork.

Mohammed was held lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

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

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

Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.

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

The 20-year-old dual US citizen according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers following tensions last July.

At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into accounts of a Palestinian had been killed.

Both young men collaborated in the family ice cream shop based in Florida.

No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.

"We demand the American government to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.

Andrea Baker
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