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 welcomed the news of Mohammed's release.
Mohammed, now 16, was taken to the hospital for treatment immediately after release, with relatives reporting he is pale, underweight, and suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.
Mohammed's uncle expressed the family's immense relief, detailing the horrific nightmare they endured during his absence. Zeyad Kadur emphasized the family's focus on getting him the immediate medical attention he requires after enduring Israel's harsh conditions.
Israeli soldiers had no right to take Mohammed from us in the first place, Kadur added.
The state department confirmed continued consular support for Mohammed's family, asserting that the safety and security of US citizens remains a top priority for the administration.
Earlier this week, Mohammed's father, Zahar Ibrahim, expressed frustration at the US government's perceived lack of efforts to secure his son's release, with 27 US lawmakers urging more action.
Mr. Ibrahim alleged that his son confessed to stone-throwing due to being beaten by soldiers.
Mohammed was held without charge in Ofer prison, which also houses adult prisoners convicted of serious crimes. It is reported that there are around 350 Palestinian child detainees in Israeli jails, many held without charges.
In the aftermath of Mohammed's release, the family plans to continue fighting for justice for another relative, Sayfollah Musallet, a dual US citizen reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July. No charges have been filed for his killing.
We expect the American government to protect our families, Mr. Kadur stated.
