Humza Yousaf’s mother-in-law ‘left heart in Gaza’ after escaping conflict
Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, the parents of Mr Yousaf’s wife Nadia, were visiting relatives last month when the conflict broke out.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf’s mother-in-law has said she left her heart in Gaza having been stuck there amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, the parents of Mr Yousaf’s wife Nadia, were visiting relatives last month when the conflict broke out, leaving them trapped in the Palestinian territory for weeks.
Ms El-Nakla, from Dundee, said she and her husband experienced a “living nightmare” when bombings began in the region.
The couple were able to return to Scotland earlier this month after being permitted to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.
Ms El-Nakla told Sky News: “It still feels very surreal, waking up in the middle of the night and I hear silence and in the dark. And then I remember I’m at home and that I’m safe.
“I feel very grateful for that. I walk down to my sister-in-law, who lives five minutes away, in the rain, in the dark, but feeling safe.
“I think no-one can understand how that makes you feel when you’ve been in a situation where you think that you may die.
“Unfortunately, until our family and the people that we know and love and everyone in Gaza are safe, I don’t think we will get it. And I think my life has changed forever.”
Speaking of the conflict, Ms El-Nakla said: “I wouldn’t wish that situation on my worst enemy.”
The couple managed the leave the region on November 3 after two failed attempts.
Ms El-Nakla spoke of losing hope “so many times”, also telling of fears about never getting home.
She added: “I hadn’t slept for 48 hours. I hadn’t slept for nearly three weeks. And you’re just so relieved. But you still don’t believe it and you’re so exhausted.
“Then you get on the bus and you see all these happy children. We were given a bottle of water and a pack of biscuits. And it is such a relief. You can’t imagine.
“But, again, your heart is torn. I left my heart in Gaza and I didn’t bring it home with me.”