Scotland’s 1st minister slams UK foreign secretary for ignoring plight of British citizens trapped in Gaza

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has strongly criticized British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly for failing to mention British citizens stranded in Gaza in a recent social media post.

Cleverly's post on X outlined his goals for upcoming meetings in Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye but notably omitted any reference to the dire situation of British citizens in Gaza.

In his response to Cleverly's post, Yousaf expressed his disappointment.

"Shameful that UK citizens trapped in Gaza don’t even get a mention. Might be helpful if you give them at least a passing mention in your discussions,” he said.

"They're trapped in a warzone & need you, Foreign Secretary, to demand a cease-fire and the Rafah crossing opened to let them out."

Yousaf's wife’s parents are trapped in Gaza amid the escalating conflict between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel.

His wife, Nadia El-Nakla, is of Palestinian descent, and her parents were in Gaza visiting family when the recent surge in violence began, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

Last week, Yousaf shared a poignant video from his mother-in-law, Elizabeth El-Nakla.

“This would be my last video. Everybody in Gaza is moving towards where we are. One million people, no food, no water and still (the Israeli forces are) bombing them as they leave,” El-Nakla said while crying.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.