In a heartrending display of commitment and resilience, the brother-in-law of Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has chosen to remain in his role as an emergency doctor in Gaza, despite the ongoing conflict. This determination to help those in need was brought to light by the First Minister himself.
This revelation comes in the wake of distressing reports of a shrapnel drone attack that affected the family of the Scottish premier’s wife, Nadia El-Nakla, who is an SNP councillor for Dundee City Council. Her family, including her parents Elizabeth and Maged, was visiting Gaza to spend time with her 92-year-old grandmother and her brother, Dr. Mohammed El-Nakla, a dedicated doctor working amidst the strife.
Despite the perilous circumstances, Dr. El-Nakla has steadfastly remained at the hospital, where he continues to provide medical care, refusing to leave even when urged by his sister. Sharing a poignant video of his brother-in-law diligently attending to a baby and a toddler injured during the conflict, Humza Yousaf expressed his admiration, stating, “My brother-in-law, a doctor in Gaza, is spending his seventh consecutive day in the hospital. Nadia spoke to him & said he should go home to rest, his response ‘I can’t leave my people when they need me.’ Health workers in Gaza are heroes.”
A missile strike from Israel hit a house near where the El-Nakla family and approximately 100 others were staying. The attack resulted in extensive damage to the building, shattering windows and mirrors. Humza Yousaf received news of the incident just 45 minutes after delivering a speech at the SNP conference, where he had already conveyed his family’s concerns and the worry his mother-in-law had experienced.
Nadia El-Nakla has been outspoken about her family’s ordeal, revealing that her brother, Dr. El-Nakla, reached a point where he could no longer provide treatment due to dwindling supplies and a growing influx of casualties. The situation in Gaza has escalated, leading to despair among the residents.
Describing the dire conditions in the region, she explained that people are now taking refuge on football pitches near her family’s home. However, bombings persist even in those areas. Morgues are overwhelmed, and unconventional locations like ice cream trucks are being used to manage the dead.
El-Nakla emphasized the dire circumstances, stating, “We are witnessing an attack on humanity, and my heart feels like it is starting to turn to stone.”
She recounted her family’s experience during a drone attack, with her mother having to extract shrapnel from her young cousin’s skin out of fear for the medical facilities’ low supplies and safety concerns.
In the House of Commons, SNP MP Chris Law reported that Elizabeth had called to bid her daughter and the First Minister farewell. She expressed her profound despair and suffering, wishing for a peaceful end to her pain.
Humza Yousaf has been actively advocating for a ceasefire in the Middle East and criticized Israel’s actions as “collective punishment” in response to Hamas’ activities. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn echoed this plea, calling for a ceasefire in the region and pressuring the UK Prime Minister to establish a refugee resettlement scheme. Their shared objective is to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid and vital supplies into Gaza, as well as the safe evacuation of innocent civilians affected by the conflict.