Concerns Mount for the Safety of Humza Yousaf's Family as Violence Escalates in Israel-Gaza Conflict

The wife of Scotland's First Minister, Humza Yousaf, Nadia El-Nakla, expressed concern about her parents who are currently trapped in Gaza following the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Nadia shared that her parents are "terrified" about the uncertain future and the ongoing violence. She revealed that some relatives have already experienced their homes being destroyed in missile strikes. Nadia's parents, Elizabeth El-Nakla and Maged El-Nakla, had traveled to Gaza from Dundee, Scotland, last week to visit a sick family member. However, shortly after their arrival, Hamas launched attacks that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people in Israel. In response, First Minister Yousaf called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to provide assistance and allow people to enter and exit Gaza safely. During their visit, Elizabeth and Maged were staying with their son, who is a father of four, and Maged's elderly, ill mother. Nadia revealed that her mother has not been able to sleep since Monday and feels constant fear due to the ongoing bombardment from land, sea, and air. The family had hoped to leave Gaza on Tuesday, but the Rafah border, their only exit, was bombed, leaving them trapped. Nadia El-Nakla shared her parents' distress, highlighting their fear of not being able to escape the violence and the uncertainty of the situation. She expressed concern about the destruction and suffering her relatives are experiencing and emphasized the need to provide essential resources, including medical aid, food, and water, as dictated by international law. Nadia also raised concerns about her brother's young children, particularly her eight-week-old nephew, who reacts fearfully every time a bomb detonates. She emphasized the traumatic impact the continuous bombings have on them. Earlier, Nadia's mother recorded a video pleading for assistance, describing the dire conditions they are facing, including a lack of electricity, water, and limited food supplies. In addition to the worries about her family's safety, Nadia is also worried about the potential impact on her parents' ability to leave Gaza due to their lack of UK passports. She has been in contact with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office but currently sees no available options for their escape. Scotland's First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has condemned the attacks and called for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. In a letter to the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, he urged him to leverage the positive relationship between the UK and Israel to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians from Gaza through the Rafah border. Yousaf emphasized that innocent people should not bear the consequences of Hamas' actions. Meanwhile, the Glasgow Jewish community held a peaceful vigil for the victims in Israel, honoring those who lost their lives, including Bernard Cowan, the first Scottish victim of the Hamas assault. Seventeen British nationals, including children, have been reported dead or missing in Israel, according to official UK sources.