🔗 Share this article

Zaher Ibrahim

A Palestinian-American youth who spent nine months in Israel's custody without charge has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was fifteen years old during his detention last February within the occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing on holiday from Florida for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

The US state department said it welcomed Mohammed's liberation.

Currently aged sixteen, was taken to hospital right after being freed, according to close relatives.

Family described him as pale, underweight, and experiencing medical problems developed during imprisonment.

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

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

"Currently, we're concentrating on getting Mohammed prompt healthcare he needs following exposure to mistreatment by authorities and cruel circumstances for months."

The state department announced ongoing to provide consular support to Mohammed's family.

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

A group of American legislators endorsed a document to diplomatic officials and the administration, urging greater action to release him.

Mohammed's parent, with four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously claimed his child admitted guilt regarding stone throwing after being assaulted by soldiers.

There were no visits nor direct contact following the detention, receiving updates exclusively what had happened to him via legal paperwork.

The teenager remained without charge within Ofer penitentiary in the West Bank.

The facility also contains adult prisoners, featuring prisoners sentenced regarding severe security violations and homicide.

An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees being held in Israeli jails, according to the Israeli Prison Service.

Many have never been charged along with monitoring agencies, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.

Following Mohammed's release, family representatives announced the family would also continue fighting for justice for his cousin their cousin Sayfollah.

The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by radical settlers following tensions last July.

At the time, defense forces stated officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian had died.

The two cousins collaborated within the family's frozen treats establishment based in Florida.

No indictments occurred for the cousin's murder.

"We demand United States leadership to protect our families," family representatives emphasized.