First Minister's mother-in-law describes "living nightmare" in Gaza

First Minister Humza Yousaf's mother-in-law has said she left her heart in Gaza having been stuck there amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla, the parents of Mr Yousaf's wife Nadia, were visiting relatives last month when the conflict broke out, leaving them trapped in the Palestinian territory for weeks.

Humza Yousaf will lead a Holyrood debate on a ceasefire in Gaza later today.

"It still feels very surreal" Elizabeth El-Nakla

Ms El-Nakla, from Dundee, said she and her husband experienced a "living nightmare" when bombings began in the region.

The couple were able to return to Scotland earlier this month after being permitted to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.

Speaking to Sky News, Ms El-Nakla said: "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.

"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."

Speaking of the conflict, Ms El-Nakla said: "I wouldn't wish that situation on my worst enemy."

The couple managed the leave the region on November 3 after two failed attempts.

Ms El-Nakla spoke of losing hope "so many times", also telling of fears about never getting home.

She added: "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.

"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."

Immediate ceasefire is "only way to end the tragic deaths" - Humza Yousaf

Yesterday, Mr Yousaf tabled a motion which will be debated in Holyrood today, calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in the conflict, as well as condemning the "barbaric and unjustifiable" Hamas attacks of October 7 and demanding the release of all hostages taken.

On Monday, the First Minister said: "This week, the Scottish Parliament has an opportunity to unite to send a message of peace to world leaders and to those enduring untold suffering in the Middle East.

"The motion that will be debated, tabled today, condemns the barbaric and unjustifiable actions of Hamas, and echoes the calls of the UN Secretary-General for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

He added: "An immediate ceasefire is the only way to end the tragic deaths of civilians.

"This week, I urge MSPs of all parties to come together and say enough is enough - the time for a ceasefire is now."

It is understood that the First Minister will steer clear of overt partisanship during his speech, instead drawing on his personal family experience of the conflict.