Family of Glasgow man murdered in Hamas attack on Israel pays tribute after 'huge loss'

The family of a Scottish man killed in the Hamas attack on Israel has paid tribute to a “sorely missed brother and son”.

Bernard Cowan was murdered by Palestinian militants on Saturday in one of several outbreaks of violence.

Mr Cowan, who lived in Israel with his wife and three children, grew up in Glasgow, where he was described as a “huge loss” to the Jewish community.

He is among more than ten Brits thought to have been killed during the attacks in which have seen the lives of 700 in Israel and 500 in Gaza lost.

In a statement his family said: “We are grieving the loss of our son and brother, Bernard Cowan, who was horrifically murdered on Saturday during the surprise terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.

A resident looks at cars burning after a during a rocket attack in Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, October 7. Getty Images

“We ask for privacy at this time while we process this huge loss to our family, both at home and in Israel, and to the Jewish community in Glasgow where he will be sorely missed.”

Scotland’s First Minister told how his in-laws, who are from Dundee, are “trapped” in Gaza while visiting elderly relatives.

Humza Yousaf “unequivocally condemned” Hamas as terrorists while calling for the killing of innocent civilians to stop.

Humza Yousaf's parents-in-law Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, who are believed to be trapped in Gaza after visiting family. — Humza Yousaf’s parents-in-law Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, who are believed to be trapped in Gaza after visiting family. Handout

Gunmen broke through Israeli barriers, shot civilians and snatched people in towns and at a music festival in the desert.

In retaliation, while Israeli forces battled militants holed up in several locations, the Gaza Strip was bombarded as Israel declared war on Hamas.

Smoke billows as debris flies in the air during an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on October 9. Getty Images

On Sunday, strikes flattened much of the town of Beit Hanoun, which Israel said Hamas was using as a staging ground.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We don’t comment on individual consular cases. However we can confirm we are in contact with – and assisting – the families of several individuals in Israel and the OPTs.

“The safety of all British nationals continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice which is updated regularly.

“British nationals requiring consular assistance should call the following numbers: +972 (0)3 725 1222 or +972 (2) 5414100. If you experience technical difficulties with these or if you are in the UK, call +44 20 7008 5000.”