Humza Yousaf’s wife has urged the UK Government to allow her family forced to flee Gaza to come and stay in her Scottish home.
Nadia El-Nakla, an SNP councillor in Dundee and wife of the First Minister, “wants to cry” every time she sees the face of her brother Mohammed who is still stuck in the Gaza Strip.
His wife and four children have been taking refuge in Turkey since Christmas Eve.
The emergency doctor was denied entry by the Turkish administration, alongside El-Nalka’s 67-year-old step-mum.
Speaking to STV, she said: “My brother is an ER surgeon, he’s got no social media, he’s just quiet, he gets on with his day and my step-mum is 67 so I’ve no idea why they weren’t approved on the list.
STV News“I’m just desperate for them to get out. Every day their lives are in danger.
“He told me there is no medicine anymore, the pharmacy is empty. They’re unable to treat the majority of people that come to the hospital now. They try to save people but it’s near impossible without the correct equipment and medical supplies.
“Many of the children are presenting without limbs and the pain and suffering to see that in a child and not being able to help is really difficult for him.
“He tells me they are living in a nightmare with no end in sight.”
El-Nalka’s parents – Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla – became trapped in Gaza while visiting relatives at the time of the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.
HandoutAfter almost a month with limited supplies, they were granted permission to leave through Egypt along with other British nationals.
They returned to Dundee but have now travelled to Turkey support their daughter-in-law.
El-Nalka has urged the UK Government to allow those with family in Britain to live in the UK while the conflict with Israel continues.
“I should be allowed to host my brother and my family in my home”, she said.
“We have a situation where people are in one of the most dangerous wars that we have ever seen and they’re not being allowed to leave.
“No borders are open. That must be against international law. Countries need to do more. For people that want to leave, they should be allowed.
“My sister-in-law doesn’t speak Turkish, my nephews don’t speak Turkish and need to go to school. We have a home here. We would look after them here.
“They have trauma. My mum is extremely traumatised. Even at Christmas we couldn’t have too much food because they don’t have anything. In her mind and in her head, it’s still happening.”
During a phone conversation with El-Nalka, Mohammed said he was “so happy” that his children are safe.
Dr El-Nalka said: “I am so happy that my kids are safe because every day we are target of Israeli bombs and rockets. I will never forget what you are doing for my family thank you. You are saving these lives.”
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