LONDON — Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf’s parents-in-law were given permission to use the Rafah crossing out of Gaza today after weeks trapped in the war zone.
The Scottish National Party leader’s in laws Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla were in Gaza when Hamas launched its surprise attacks on Israel on October 7, stranding them in the region. Yousaf announced earlier this week that they had run out of clean water.
In a statement, Yousaf and his wife Nadia said: “We are very pleased to confirm that Nadia’s parents were able to leave Gaza through the Rafah Crossing this morning.
“These last four weeks have been a living nightmare for our family, we are so thankful for all of the messages of comfort and prayers that we have received from across the world, and indeed from across the political spectrum in Scotland and the U.K.
The couple added that they feel a “sense of deep personal relief,” but are “heartbroken at the continued suffering of the people of Gaza.”
The El-Naklas live in Dundee, Scotland, and were in Gaza to visit a sick relative. They were staying in a house with family members including several young grandchildren during the blockade. Elizabeth El-Nakla had described the deteriorating conditions they were experiencing.
The Rafah crossing into Egypt opened for the first time Wednesday, with a list of foreign passport holders permitted to use the route agreed following a deal between Israel, Egypt and Hamas brokered by Qatar. The El-Naklas were among 92 foreigners given permission to escape Friday.
A limited number of wounded Palestinian civilians were also permitted to enter Egypt through the Rafah crossing to receive medical treatment.
Yousaf had criticized the U.K’s response to the violence in Gaza, saying “Our U.K. government should be using its trusted position as an ally of the government of Israel to be calling for an end to collective punishment. They should be at the forefront saying that the life of a Palestinian is the same as the life of an Israeli.”
