🔗 Share this article

Zaher Ibrahim

An Palestinian-American youth who spent a nine-month period in Israel's custody absent formal charges has been freed.

The teenager Mohammed Ibrahim had just turned 15 when he was arrested in February within the occupied West Bank, while he was vacationing while residing in Florida accused of stone-throwing toward Israeli settlers, allegations he repeatedly contested.

American diplomatic officials applauded Mohammed's liberation.

Currently aged sixteen, needed medical care upon gaining freedom, family members reported.

They said he is showing signs of malnutrition, and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.

Via family representatives, the youth's uncle spoke of the family's "tremendous relief".

Family member Zeyad Kadur said the family had been "living a horrific and endless nightmare" during the entire detention period.

"Right now, we are focused on providing Mohammed with the immediate medical attention he needs after experiencing mistreatment by authorities and brutal treatment throughout his detention."

The state department said it would continue to offer diplomatic assistance for the Ibrahim family.

{"American leadership gives utmost importance to the protection and welfare of US citizens"," it added.

Twenty-seven US lawmakers submitted a formal letter to US authorities and President Donald Trump, requesting additional efforts for his freedom.

Mr Ibrahim, with four children operating an ice cream shop in Florida, previously said his child admitted guilt about rock throwing because the soldiers beat him.

He had not seen or communicated with his son since the arrest, and only heard about his son's condition via legal paperwork.

He stayed lacking indictment at Ofer detention facility in the West Bank.

Additionally housing adult prisoners, some of whom have been convicted for major terrorist activities and murder.

An estimated several hundred young Palestinian detainees currently imprisoned in Israel, based on prison authority data.

Many have never been charged while advocacy organizations, including UN bodies, report instances of mistreatment and torture.

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

The dual national youth who the Palestinian health ministry said succumbed to assault by Israeli settlers during a confrontation in July.

At the time, the Israeli military said officials were investigating reports a Palestinian civilian was deceased.

Both young men had worked together within the family's frozen treats establishment in Tampa, Florida.

No charges have been filed for the cousin's murder.

"We expect the American government to ensure our family's safety," Mr Kadur said.