🔗 Share this article

Zaher Ibrahim

An American-Palestinian teenager who spent a nine-month period in Israeli detention without being charged has been freed.

Mohammed Ibrahim was 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, during a family visit from his Florida home for allegedly throwing stones against settlement residents, which he previously denied.

The US state department said it welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.

Mohammed, now 16, required hospitalization for treatment immediately after release, family members reported.

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

Through an official statement, family spokesperson conveyed their "tremendous relief".

The uncle, Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "enduring a dreadful, continuous nightmare" throughout the past nine months.

"Right now, we are focused on ensuring Mohammed receives the immediate medical attention he needs after being subjected to mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment for months."

US officials said it would continue to extend consular services to the teenager's relatives.

{"American leadership gives utmost importance to ensuring the safety of American nationals"," officials stated.

A group of American legislators submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, demanding more be done to release him.

Mr Ibrahim, parent of four children managing a frozen treats business in Florida, previously claimed his son only confessed about rock throwing due to physical abuse.

The father hadn't visited or communicated with his son since February, and only heard what had happened to him through judicial records.

The teenager remained absent formal charges in Ofer prison throughout the occupied territory.

It is also home to adult prisoners, including individuals found guilty for major terrorist activities including killings.

An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees detained within Israeli facilities, per correctional service statistics.

Several lack formal charges while advocacy organizations, and international organizations, document cases involving abuse and torture.

After the teenager's freedom, Mr Kadur said they would maintain their efforts seeking justice for their relative family member Sayfollah.

This young American-Palestinian according to health authorities succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers following tensions in July.

At the time, the Israeli military said authorities were looking into information regarding a civilian had died.

Both young men collaborated in the family ice cream shop from Tampa.

No charges have been filed regarding Sayfollah's death.

"We demand United States leadership to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.