- Gaza crisis: UK family stranded
- Humanitarian concerns grow
- Calls for ceasefire and aid
Since the Hamas attack on Israel, the spouse of Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has stated that her parents, who have been stranded in Gaza, are “terrified” of what could occur next.
Additionally, Nadia El-Nakla disclosed that missile strikes had obliterated the residences of some relatives.
Maged and Elizabeth El-Nakla, both of whom reside in Dundee, traveled to Gaza to visit an ill relative last week.
Israeli officials assert that Hamas killed 1,200 individuals days into their journey.
According to Palestinian health officials, 1,200 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and the conflict’s death toll continues to escalate.
Mr. Yousaf advocated for establishing a humanitarian corridor into and out of the blockade-sequestered Gaza on Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. El-Nakla were visiting their ailing 92-year-old mother and their four-times-father son.
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Ms. El-Nakla stated, “They are presently embroiled in a state of war.”
“My mother says that there is continual bombardment from land, sea, and air.”
She reported that her mother has been awake nonstop since Monday and is experiencing “complete body tremors.”
Tuesday was the family’s last day of departure, but the Rafah border, which separates Egypt and Gaza, was bombed, and there was no way out at this time. Every crossing in Israel has been sealed.
Ms. El-Nakla, speaking at Bute House, the official residence of the first minister in Edinburgh, stated, “They are absolutely terrified, beyond terrified, of what is occurring at this very moment and what is to come.”
The councillor for Dundee City expressed concern over the language used during the conflict, particularly assertions that Gaza would be “obliterated” in retaliation for Hamas’s attacks.
She additionally stated: “It puts the complete fear into me that I am never going to see them again.”
Since the commencement of the air raids, the residences of her aunt and cousin have been reduced to ruins.
Wednesday, Ms. El-Nakla spoke with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office; however, there is currently no viable course of action.
She believes her parents would be confronted with an “impossible decision” if this were to alter, given that none of her other relatives possess United Kingdom passports.
Ms. El-Nakla remarked, “There are times when my arms are as rigid as lead, and I feel as though I am experiencing a nightmare.” Therefore, their emotions are beyond my comprehension.
The mother of two is contemplating a variety of possible outcomes and has cautioned against any aid cuts.
She stated, “At this time, medical supplies, food, and water, as well as fundamental human necessities, must be provided.” Such is the nature of international law. It is highly essential.
“That terrifies me. Initially, they perish. The second is that they are hungry. They are in camps, and the home is reduced to rubble at number three.
“That is really scary.”
Additionally, Ms. El-Nakla is concerned about the effects on the young children of her brother, in particular her eight-week-old nephew.
She continued, “Each time the bombs detonate, his arms simply flail in terror.” I am concerned that his delicate heart may not be able to withstand the persistent onslaught.
A forty-second video footage was previously captured by her mother in the city of Deir al-Balah, where she poignantly described the plight of the family.
She said, on the verge of tears, “There is no electricity. We are without water. The limited food supply we currently possess will perish due to the absence of electricity, causing it to deteriorate.
“At this moment, two nine-year-old twins, a two-month-old infant, and a four-year-old comprise my four grandchildren.” The occasion of their birthday.
“I ask the world to help the Palestinians.”
The international spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, stated that Gaza “was not a good place to be” for the family and that it was currently impossible for them to depart, as far as he was aware.
According to him: “I think this will be a very long war; our military aim is to strip Hamas of all its military capability.
Why are the El-Naklas unable to enter Egypt through the border? The Israeli authorities control all movement into and out of Gaza, with the exception of the pedestrian-only Rafah crossing that connects Gaza to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. At this crossing, the authority resides in Egypt.
In recent days, Israel has launched an assault on this location, and Egyptians are apprehensive about being drawn into the conflict.
She stated, “There is a chance that Egypt could be compelled to allow Gaza residents to cross the Sinai Peninsula’s frontiers”.
“That would place Egypt in a precarious position, as it would be among the frontline nations at that time, which the Egyptian people do not wish for.”
“By this, we do not only mean official circles; we also mean the general public.” They are averse to participating in the confrontation.
“The question of whether or not to open the borders presents a dilemma.” They seek to open the borders to deliver humanitarian help to Gaza without displacing Gazans to Sinai.
Mr. Yousaf, meanwhile, has urged the foreign secretary to declare an Israeli-Gazalerian ceasefire.
The first minister implored James Cleverly in a letter to leverage the cordial relationship between the United Kingdom and Israel in order to advocate for the passage of Gaza’s civilians through the Rafah border.
“Too many innocent people have already perished as a result of these entirely unjustified and illegitimate attacks by Hamas,” he wrote.
“However, innocent men, women, and children cannot, and should not, pay the price for the actions of a terrorist group.”
The Glasgow Jewish community conducted a “silent and peaceful” vigil on the Royal Concert Hall stairs to honour Israeli victims.
Monday’s confirmation identified patriarch Bernard Cowan as the initial Scottish casualty of the Hamas assault on Israel. He was remembered among those who perished.
Mr. Cowan, his wife, and three children moved to Israel near Gaza from Glasgow.
