🔗 Share this article

Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American teenager having endured a nine-month period in Israel's custody without charge was released.

Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested in February throughout the West Bank territory, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department expressed satisfaction with the teenager's freedom.

Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital upon gaining freedom, relatives told the media.

Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems acquired while detained.

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

Family member Zeyad Kadur described how relatives endured "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"At this moment, our priority is ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care he requires following exposure to Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances for months."

US officials stated they would maintain to provide consular support to the teenager's relatives.

{"US government authorities has no higher priority to the protection and welfare for United States citizens"," officials stated.

Several congressional representatives submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, urging greater action for his freedom.

Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children who runs an ice cream business in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing because the soldiers beat him.

He had not seen nor direct contact since the arrest, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him via legal paperwork.

He stayed absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

Additionally housing mature inmates, some of whom have been convicted of serious terrorism offences including killings.

There are around 350 Palestinian minors in security custody detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.

The 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by settlement residents amid clashes last July.

Initially, defense forces stated they were examining accounts of a Palestinian had died.

Mohammed and Sayfollah had worked together at their family's ice cream business based in Florida.

No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We expect United States leadership to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.