American-Palestinian Teenager Released After 270 Days in Israel's Custody

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American youth after completing nine months in Israeli detention without being charged has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit on holiday from Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.

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

Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release, according to close relatives.

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

Through an official statement, the youth's uncle expressed the family's "tremendous relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" over the last nine months.

"Currently, our priority is getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he requires following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment for months."

US officials said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance to the teenager's relatives.

{"American leadership gives utmost importance than the safety and security of US citizens"," the department emphasized.

A group of American legislators had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the administration, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.

The father, a father-of-four who runs an ice cream business from Florida, had earlier stated Mohammed acknowledged allegations about rock throwing due to physical abuse.

The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son following the detention, and only heard about his son's condition in detention through court documents.

Mohammed was held lacking indictment within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.

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

There are around several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Numerous remain uncharged while advocacy organizations, as well as the United Nations, say some have suffered physical abuse and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, the uncle stated they would maintain their efforts for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.

The dual national youth according to health authorities died from beating by settlement residents amid clashes last July.

During that period, military authorities reported officials were investigating information regarding a civilian was deceased.

Mohammed and Sayfollah were employed together at their family's ice cream business in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We demand US authorities to protect our families," Mr Kadur said.

Chloe Beck
Chloe Beck

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