Humza Yousaf's Family Reunited After Harrowing Escape from Gaza: Calls for Ceasefire and Action Persist

 The parents-in-law of Scotland's first minister, Humza Yousaf, have safely arrived in Scotland after fleeing the conflict in Gaza. Yousaf shared a family photo on social media showing his wife Nadia and her parents, Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, surrounded by their relatives. The El-Naklas, who were visiting family in Gaza when the conflict broke out, were among the 92 British nationals permitted to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt on Friday. This comes as many British citizens still struggle to leave Gaza, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) excluding those without UK passports from the safe passage list.

Support Families in Gaza (SFG) claims that this approach is inconsistent with evacuation decisions made in other conflicts such as Ukraine. SFG argues that the US is allowing anybody with an American family to leave. British Palestinians have expressed frustration at being treated as "second-class citizens" and are calling on the government to allow British citizens to bring their families with them. Even British nationals who are on the safe passage list have faced difficulties at the border due to disagreements between Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Meanwhile, Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf has expressed his relief that his in-laws have safely returned home. Yousaf shared a family photo on social media captioned, "I am pleased to say my in-laws are safe and back home." He added that while they are elated, his father-in-law expressed heartbreak at leaving his mother, son, and grandchildren in Gaza. Yousaf emphasized that their thoughts remain with those who are still trapped in the war zone. He pledged to continue advocating for peace and an end to the killing of innocent people in Gaza. Yousaf also requested privacy for his family during this traumatic time. BBC reports that the El-Nakla family was part of a group of 92 British citizens allowed to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border.

The organized evacuations, which were halted on Saturday, are expected to resume on Sunday. The safe return of Humza Yousaf's parents-in-law has brought relief to the family after a harrowing experience in Gaza. Yousaf shared a family photo on social media, including his wife and daughters with their grandparents. The El-Nakla family, who are from Dundee, became trapped in Gaza when the conflict escalated and were among the group of British nationals allowed to pass through the Rafah border into Egypt. Yousaf's father-in-law expressed his heartbreak about leaving his mother, son, and grandchildren behind.

The family had to endure difficult conditions, including a lack of clean resources leading them to drink seawater. Yousaf's brother-in-law, who is a doctor, remains in Gaza treating the wounded. While the family is relieved that some members have returned safely, they continue to call for a ceasefire and argue that a humanitarian pause is not enough to address the high number of casualties.