03 November 2023 , 11:55
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Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has told of his "deep personal relief" as his family have left Gaza after being trapped in the territory for almost four weeks.
The parents of his wife Nadia El-Nakla were among 92 British nationals to get out of the country through the Rafah border crossing this morning. They had been stuck following the attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Elizabeth El-Nakla and her husband Maged has originally travelled to Gaza to see a sick relative. They were among a number of British nationals who have now entered Egypt. The couple from Dundee, who at times did not know if they would survive, had to drink sea water due to a lack of clean resources.
In a statement, Mr Yousaf and Ms El-Nakla said: "We are very pleased to confirm that Nadia's parents were able to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing this morning. We are very grateful to all of those who have assisted our parents over the last few weeks, including the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) crisis team.
"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 UK."
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The couple said they will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of a humanitarian corridor to assist those who have not been able to leave the war-torn territory. They added: "Although we feel a sense of deep personal relief, we are heartbroken at the continued suffering of the people of Gaza. We will continue to raise our voices to stop the killing and suffering of the innocent people of Gaza.
"We reiterate our calls for all sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire, the opening of a humanitarian corridor so that significant amounts of aid, including fuel, can flow through to a population that have suffered collective punishment for far too long, and for all hostages to be released. Families in Gaza and Israel are suffering the loss of entirely innocent men, women and children. We pray for them all, and pray that the international community at last focuses on achieving a lasting peace in the region: one that recognises that the rights and lives of Palestinians and Israelis are equal."
Other members of Ms El-Nakla's family - who are Palestinian nationals - remain in Gaza, including her brother who has been working as a doctor amid the conflict. Around two weeks ago, Mrs El-Nakla, a retired nurse, released an emotional video from inside Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, as the situation escalated. She said: "Where is humanity?... "Where are people's hearts in the world to let this happen in this day and age?"