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Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf’s mother-in-law has said she and her husband experienced a “living nightmare” when the bombings began in the Israel-Gaza war.
The parents of Mr Yousaf’s wife Nadia, Elizabeth and Maged Al Nakla, were visiting relatives in Gaza last month when the conflict broke out, leaving them trapped in the Palestinian territory for weeks.
The couple were able to return to Scotland after being permitted to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.
The couple managed the leave the region on November 3 after two failed attempts.
“It still feels very surreal, waking up in the middle of the night and I hear silence and in the dark. And then I remember I’m at home and that I’m safe,” Ms Al Nakla told Sky News.
“I feel very grateful for that. I walk down to my sister-in-law, who lives five minutes away, in the rain, in the dark, but feeling safe.
“I think no one can understand how that makes you feel when you’ve been in a situation where you think that you may die.
“Unfortunately, until our family and the people that we know and love and everyone in Gaza are safe, I don’t think we will get it. And I think my life has changed forever.”
Scotland's Humza Yousaf through the years – in pictures
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Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, where he said he will resign as Scottish National Party chief and the country's leader. PA -
Mr Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Dundee in April. His appearance came as Scottish opposition parties called for a confidence vote after the collapse of his power-sharing deal with the Green Party. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf holds a press conference in Edinburgh as he announces the SNP's withdrawal from the Bute House Agreement. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf joins members of the public as they attend a march in Glasgow calling for an independent Scotland, in April. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf takes part in a dance performance during a visit to DN Studios in Edinburgh in March. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf and his new cabinet pose at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh, in February. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks during the launch of the SNP general election campaign at Oran Mor in Glasgow, in January. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf during Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day at the Scottish Parliament in December. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf engages with pupils during Scotland's Book Week at Craigentinny Primary School in Edinburgh, in November. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf lays a wreath during Scotland's Remembrance Sunday Event at Edinburgh City Chambers, in November. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with his wife Nadia El-Nakla after his speech at the SNP conference in October. PA -
Mr Yousaf speaking at a service of solidarity at Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue in October. PA -
Mr Yousaf with hundreds of supporters of Scottish independence during a march in Edinburgh in September. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh, after being sworn in as First Minister of Scotland in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf signs the nomination form to become First Minister of Scotland, watched by his wife Nadia El Nakla, daughter Amal and step-daughter Maya, in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks after being elected as new Scottish National Party leader in Edinburgh, in March 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with his mother Shaaista and father Muzaffar in Glasgow as he campaigns to become the next leader of the Scottish National Party, in February 2023. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf visits Monklands Hospital in Airdrie in 2021, when he was health secretary. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf, justice minister at the time, attends a Ministerial Statement in Edinburgh in 2020. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf with Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the ruling SNP at the time, at the count for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 in Glasgow. Getty Images -
Angela Constance and Mr Yousaf after being sworn in as Scottish MPs in Edinburgh in 2016. Getty Images -
Mr Yousaf speaks during the SNP conference in Aberdeen in 2015. Getty Images -
Alex Salmond, SNP leader at the time, with Mr Yousaf at the Scottish Parliament in 2011. Getty Images
Speaking of the conflict, Ms Al Nakla said: “I wouldn’t wish that situation on my worst enemy.”
Ms Al Nakla said she had left her heart in Gaza.
She spoke of losing hope “so many times”, also telling of fears about never getting home.
“I hadn’t slept for 48 hours. I hadn’t slept for nearly three weeks. And you’re just so relieved. But you still don’t believe it and you’re so exhausted,” she added.
“Then you get on the bus and you see all these happy children. We were given a bottle of water and a pack of biscuits. And it is such a relief. You can’t imagine.
“But, again, your heart is torn. I left my heart in Gaza and I didn’t bring it home with me.”
