A Palestinian-American teenager who spent nine months in Israeli detention without charge has been freed. Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested in February in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was visiting on holiday from Florida, for allegedly throwing stones at Jewish settlers, which he previously denied.
The US state department said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release. Mohammed, now 16, was taken to hospital for treatment immediately after release. Relatives told the media he is pale, underweight, and suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
In a statement, Mohammed's uncle spoke of the family's 'immense relief.' Zeyad Kadur said the family had been 'living a horrific and endless nightmare' over the last nine months. 'Right now, we are focused on getting Mohammed the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to Israel's abuse and inhumane conditions for months. We just want Mohammed to be healthy and to have his childhood back,' he said.
The state department stated it would continue to provide consular support to Mohammed's family. 'The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens,' it added.
Earlier this week, Mohammed's father Zahar Ibrahim expressed frustration that the US government was not doing more to expedite his son's release. Twenty-seven US lawmakers had signed a letter to the state department and President Trump, demanding more action on his behalf.
Mr. Ibrahim said his son only confessed to throwing stones under duress from the soldiers, who had beaten him. He had not seen or spoken to Mohammed since February and had only heard about his treatment in detention through court documents.
Mohammed was held without charge in Ofer prison on the West Bank, which also houses adult prisoners, including those convicted of serious offenses. Reports indicate that around 350 Palestinian child detainees are held in Israeli jails, many without charge, and human rights groups, as well as the United Nations, report cases of abuse and torture.
Following Mohammed's release, Mr. Kadur stated that the family would also continue to fight for justice for his cousin, Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old dual US citizen who the Palestinian health ministry reported was beaten to death by Israeli settlers during a confrontation in July. No one has been charged in connection with Sayfollah's death.
'We expect the American government to protect our families,' Mr. Kadur emphasized.
