Palestinian-American Youth Released Following 270 Days in Israeli Imprisonment

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian youth after completing nine months in imprisonment by Israel absent formal charges has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 at the time of his arrest in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home accused of stone-throwing against settlement residents, which he previously denied.

American diplomatic officials expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.

Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care right after being freed, according to close relatives.

They said he is visibly pale and thin, while battling health issues acquired while detained.

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

Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.

"At this moment, we're concentrating on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he needs after experiencing Israel's abuse and brutal treatment for months."

The state department stated they would maintain to extend consular services to Mohammed's family.

{"The Trump Administration considers paramount to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," it added.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.

Mohammed's parent, a father-of-four managing a frozen treats business from Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.

The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed since the arrest, and only heard regarding the treatment through judicial records.

Mohammed was held absent formal charges in Ofer prison on the West Bank.

Additionally housing adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities and murder.

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

Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, and international organizations, say some have suffered abuse and torture.

Subsequent to his liberation, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.

The dual national youth according to health authorities died from beating by Israeli settlers during a confrontation last July.

At the time, military authorities reported officials were investigating information regarding a civilian had been killed.

Both young men had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.

No indictments occurred regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We demand US authorities to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.