Humza Yousaf’s mother-in-law ‘left heart in Gaza’ after escaping conflict

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf’s mother-in-law has stated she left her heart in Gaza having been caught there amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, the dad and mom of Mr Yousaf’s spouse Nadia, had been visiting family members final month when the conflict broke out, leaving them trapped in the Palestinian territory for weeks.

Ms El-Nakla, from Dundee, stated she and her husband skilled a “residing nightmare” when bombings started in the area.

The couple had been in a position to return to Scotland earlier this month after being permitted to move via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.

Ms El-Nakla informed Sky Information: “It nonetheless feels very surreal, waking up in the nighttime and I hear silence and in the darkish. After which I bear in mind I’m at dwelling and that I’m secure.

“I really feel very grateful for that. I stroll all the way down to my sister-in-law, who lives 5 minutes away, in the rain, in the darkish, however feeling secure.

“I feel no-one can perceive how that makes you are feeling if you’ve been in a state of affairs the place you suppose that you could be die.

“Sadly, till our household and the folks that we all know and love and everybody in Gaza are secure, I don’t suppose we’ll get it. And I feel my life has modified without end.”

Talking of the conflict, Ms El-Nakla stated: “I wouldn’t want that state of affairs on my worst enemy.”

The couple managed the go away the area on November 3 after two failed makes an attempt.

Ms El-Nakla spoke of dropping hope “so many occasions”, additionally telling of fears about by no means getting dwelling.

She added: “I hadn’t slept for 48 hours. I hadn’t slept for practically three weeks. And also you’re simply so relieved. However you continue to don’t imagine it and also you’re so exhausted.

“Then you definitely get on the bus and also you see all these comfortable kids. We got a bottle of water and a pack of biscuits. And it’s such a reduction. You possibly can’t think about.

“However, once more, your heart is torn. I left my heart in Gaza and I didn’t carry it dwelling with me.”