**Father and Two Adult Children Back in Custody as Hunt for Three Missing Children Continues**
The ongoing search for three missing Palestinian children has intensified following a recent court ruling that has placed their father and two adult siblings back in custody. The decision came after the Court of Appeals overturned a previous district court ruling that had allowed the family members to be released on bail.
On Friday, the appeals court accepted an appeal from the attorney-general, stating that the initial court had erred in its judgment. The court emphasized that there was a significant risk that the defendants could abscond, influence witnesses, or commit further offenses if released. The defendants, a 46-year-old father and his two adult children, aged 23 and 21, are facing a staggering 122 charges, including various forms of violence and abuse.
The charges against the family members include systematic physical and psychological abuse, child abuse, kidnapping, indecent assault, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault of a child, causing grievous bodily harm, threats, and humiliation. These alleged crimes are said to have taken place over a period from 2013 until May 2026, with the minors reportedly living in deplorable conditions, enduring violence, food deprivation, and restrictions on their freedom.
The three missing children—Sarra Esaifan, 17, Kawtar Esaifan, 14, and Ahlam Esaifan, 15—were reported missing on June 30. Sarra and Kawtar disappeared from their residence in Aglandjia, Nicosia, while Ahlam went missing from her home in the Famagusta district on the same day.
The police have released detailed descriptions of the missing children in an effort to locate them. Sarra is described as 1.62 meters tall, of average weight, with black hair, last seen wearing blue Bermuda shorts, a grey t-shirt, a black jacket, and black and white sports shoes. Kawtar is 1.60 meters tall, also of average weight, with black hair, and was wearing similar blue Bermuda shorts and a grey t-shirt, along with white sports shoes. Ahlam is noted to be 1.60 meters tall, with dark brown eyes and curly brown hair.
In light of the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing search for the children, the court has ordered that the father and his adult children remain in custody until their trial, which is scheduled for July 16 at the Famagusta criminal court. The court acknowledged that while the defendants had lived in Cyprus as refugees for 20 years and had maintained a clear criminal record, these factors did not outweigh the severity of the allegations against them.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sarra, Kawtar, and Ahlam to come forward. The police have provided several contact numbers for the public to report any tips: 22 802222, 23 803040, or the Citizens Line at 1460, as well as encouraging contact with the nearest police station.
This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the distressing situation of the missing children. The community remains hopeful for their safe return as law enforcement continues its investigation into the matter.