American-Palestinian Youth Liberated After Nine Months in Israeli Detention

Zaher Ibrahim Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American youth having endured a nine-month period in imprisonment by Israel without charge gained freedom.

Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, which he previously denied.

American diplomatic officials said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.

Now sixteen years old, required hospitalization right after being freed, family members reported.

Family described him as visibly pale and thin, and is suffering from conditions developed during imprisonment.

In a statement, family spokesperson spoke of the family's "overwhelming sense of relief".

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "surviving a terrible, unending nightmare" over the last nine months.

"At this moment, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives urgent medical care necessary for his recovery following exposure to Israel's abuse and cruel circumstances over several months."

The state department said it would continue to extend consular services for the Ibrahim family.

{"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens"," officials stated.

Several congressional representatives had signed a letter to diplomatic officials and the White House, urging greater action for his freedom.

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

The father hadn't visited or spoken to Mohammed following the detention, learning information solely what had happened to him through judicial records.

The teenager remained absent formal charges within Ofer penitentiary throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty regarding severe security violations and murder.

An estimated 350 Palestinian minors in security custody being held in Israeli jails, per correctional service statistics.

Many have never been charged and human rights groups, and international organizations, document cases involving physical abuse and torture.

After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said the family would also continue fighting demanding accountability for their family member Sayfollah Musallet.

This young American-Palestinian who the Palestinian health ministry said died from beating by settlement residents during a confrontation in July.

Initially, the Israeli military said officials were investigating accounts of a Palestinian was deceased.

Both young men were employed together in the family ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.

No one has been charged for the cousin's murder.

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

David Pearson
David Pearson

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in game journalism and community building.